One person was killed and another injured in a targeted shooting at the Paddock Mall in Ocala, Florida, just two days before Christmas, according to authorities. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, causing panic and leading to the evacuation of the mall, which was filled with holiday shoppers.

The victim, identified as David Nathaniel Barron, 40 years old, was found dead in a common area of the mall when police arrived at the scene. Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken stated during a press briefing that Barron appeared to have been the intended target of the shooting. A woman was also shot and wounded, but her injuries were reported as non-life-threatening, and she was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Additional injuries resulting from the incident included chest pains and a broken arm, according to Chief Balken. However, no further details about these injuries were provided.

Authorities have released an image of a person of interest in connection with the shooting, urging the public to come forward with any information. The police have also issued a statement urging the individual who took the suspected gunman's red hat from the mall to return it, as it may contain valuable DNA evidence. Failure to comply within the next few hours will result in the individual being arrested and charged with tampering with evidence, the police warned.

Eyewitnesses recounted moments of terror as the shots rang out inside the mall. Syriah Williams, 18, who was shopping at Bath & Body Works with her mother, described chaos erupting after the gunshots were heard. Mall employees immediately instructed everyone to run, and Williams sought shelter behind the store counters.

Jennifer Hunt Murty, the owner of Ocala Gazette, was volunteering at a gift-wrapping station when the gunfire broke out. She recounted dropping to the ground and quickly notifying the police chief about the active shooter situation. After ensuring it was safe to do so, she aided injured victims by guiding medics to their location, and later interviewed witnesses and gathered photographic evidence.

Police confirmed that a firearm believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered from the scene. The investigation is ongoing, as authorities continue their search for the suspect.

In response to the incident, the Paddock Mall has decided to close on both Sunday and Monday, ensuring the safety of its patrons and allowing time for law enforcement to conduct their investigation.

As the community mourns the loss of David Nathaniel Barron and wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured woman, authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.

ABC News' Layla Ferris contributed to this report.