Terror filled a North Carolina mall on Christmas Eve when shots were fired between two groups with one suspect getting shot and killed by a responding off-duty policeman.

Last-minute Christmas shoppers were at the Northlake Mall in Charlotte when an argument erupted between two groups, The Charlotte Observer reported.

At least two people pulled guns and opened fire on the mall's lower level, said the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police. Hundreds of shoppers screamed and ran for safety.

Co-workers Nicole Kirkpatrick and Natasha Columbus were in a store when shots rang out.

"Pow, pow, pow, pow," eight or nine in all, said Kirkpatrick.

Off-duty policeman Thomas Ferguson was one of those who responded and when suspect Daquan Antonio Westbrook, 18, pointed a gun at him, the officer shot at him, killing him instantly, witnesses told the police.

Westbrook had a long criminal record. His criminal charges include larceny, drugs, assault and firearms. Last year, Westbrook was charged with shooting a 12-year old boy. He was arrested last October due to drugs, larceny and resisting arrest.

Based on police policy, Ferguson, who has been a police officer for 19 years, has been placed on paid, administrative leave.

Four persons were taken to the hospital for minor injuries. No police officer was injured, reported WBTV.

Witness James Elliott said, "Five guys started fighting, two of them ran out of the store when the third guy came out of the store he pulled out a gun."

"Officer stepped up, said put your gun down, he turned around and opened fire," he added.

When gunfire erupted, shoppers scrambled and shoved down mall walkways towards the parking lot while others hid behind dumpsters. The movie theatre was placed on lockdown.

Columbus said she thought the mall was under terrorist attack.

Zindy Cruz, 19, said she saw a man lying on the floor who appeared dead.

Lisa Sawyer Phillips, 46, and her son, 26, said they waited 30 minutes before they were able to evacuate the mall.

"That was probably the scariest part, not knowing how many people were actually shooting," she said. "Usually, I'm calm and collected and can handle things" but when gunshots were heard, "I really broke down."