SYRACUSE, NY – A white umbrella with a samurai-style handle triggered a heavy police response and full lockdown at Destiny USA mall on Thursday afternoon, after multiple 911 callers mistook it for a high-powered rifle.

The chaos began around 3:22 p.m., when Syracuse Police responded to reports of a suspicious man seen carrying what appeared to be an AR-15-style weapon near North Geddes Street and Spencer Street. A second call at 3:43 p.m. placed the man near Hiawatha Street and Solar Street, where the caller reported the individual “cocked the gun” and slung it over his shoulder.

Police launched a wide-area search, deploying officers, drone units, and placing Onondaga County’s Air 1 on standby. The search zone included the Creek Walk and Destiny USA shopping center.

At approximately 4:0

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