Active-shooter drill held at Santa Ana Westfield MainPlace mall

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- An active-shooter drill was held early Wednesday morning at the Westfield MainPlace mall in Santa Ana.

The Santa Ana Police Department, Orange County Fire Authority, volunteers and mall employees collaborated in the event, which simulated what would happen if an active shooter was on mall grounds.

Law enforcement's first responsibility is to follow the gunfire and engage the shooter. In the simulation, the gunman made a run for it and is followed by officers with guns drawn. Loud audio was playing overhead and acting victims were sprawled on the ground.

The drill gave officials a chance to practice and exercise their response plans and procedures. It also provided a chance for police officers to practice the new procedure of escorting firefighters and paramedics into an active scene so they can quickly respond to the victims and get them out.

"We provide these kinds of experiences so our officers get that first-hand knowledge, that first-hand feeling, the adrenaline pump of what this could feel like, so that they are as prepared as they possibly can be to do the best job they can for the people that we serve," said Cmdr. Ken Gominsky with Santa Ana Police.

The drill wrapped up around 7:30 a.m. and did not affect normal mall operating hours.