NorthPark Center in Dallas was evacuated Wednesday afternoon for a potential security issue, police said.
Dallas police were called to NorthPark at 11:53 a.m. due to a reported evacuation called in by management, according to Dallas police 911 dispatches.
Officers were asked to help get people out of the mall, cover exits of the mall and help direct traffic away from NorthPark, according to police dispatch.
According to a post on X from Dallas police, drivers should expect traffic congestion near the intersection of North Central Expressway and Northwest Highway as the investigation continues.
Breaking News
Dallas police said on X that it was investigating a “security incident” and urged drivers to avoid the area due to congestion.
As helicopters roared overhead, dozens of employees walked to a shopping center across the street from the mall to wait out the evacuation. Donning their all-black uniforms, they found shade under store awnings. Some bought snacks from the Tom Thumb, others frozen yogurt from a nearby Yogurtland.
Naz Ismail, 37, waited outside a Barnes and Noble Wednesday afternoon. Ismail has worked at NorthPark for 11 years, most recently at Prada. About noon, he said he was preparing for an appointment, setting up a fitting room, when suddenly, the fire alarm went off. “I’ve pretty much seen it all, so I was thinking this must be routine or somebody messed with the fire alarm,” he said.
Everyone inside was ordered to evacuate, so Ismail went out a back door that led him to the mall’s garden. There, he watched as the police presence multiplied by the minute. Then, a voice came over the intercom: “This is not a joke. Please evacuate the parking area.”
“That’s a little scary to think about, to be honest with you,” he said. “But I’m glad everybody’s safe for the most part.”
As of 12:30, officers set up a command post outside of the mall and started barricading the parking lot, according to 911 dispatchers.
This is a developing story.
Dallas Police are investigating a security incident in the 8600 block of North Central Expressway. Expect traffic congestion near the intersection of North Central Expressway and Northwest Highway as the investigation continues. Please avoid the area. Updates will be provided… pic.twitter.com/wgjFFXigjC
— Dallas Police Dept (@DallasPD) March 25, 2026