A man has died in a “targeted” shooting at a shopping mall in central Florida two days before Christmas, police said.

Police chief Mike Balken told reporters that the man was killed after he was shot multiple times in a common area at Paddock Mall in Ocala, about 79 miles north-west of Orlando.

A woman also was shot in the leg. She was treated at a local hospital and is expected to recover, Mr Balken said.

The suspect fled the scene and left behind the firearm.

Police arrived at the mall at around 3.40pm (8.40pm GMT) on Saturday after reports of multiple shots being fired.

“Officers immediately made entry into the mall (and) ultimately discovered that this was not what we would consider an active shooter,” Mr Balken told reporters.

The attack was likely a “targeted act of violence” against the man, Mr Balken said.

Several other mall patrons suffered injuries during the shooting, with one person having chest pain and another reporting a broken arm, police said.

The Ocala police posted photos overnight of a person of interest that appear to be taken from a mall security camera.

The three images show a male with a red cap and dark clothing.

On Sunday, the police department urged a person who took the suspect’s hat from the crime scene to turn it over to investigators or they would be charged with tampering with evidence.

“That hat may contain valuable DNA evidence, and we need it back,” the Ocala Police Department said on social media. “We urge you to do the right thing and come forward immediately. Time is of the essence.”

The police also asked the public for assistance by submitting mobile phone video of the shooting scene.

The mall’s corporate owner, WPG, said in a statement that they were working with the Ocala Police Department in the investigation of what happened.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with all those involved,” the statement said.

“The safety of our guests, retailers and employees is our top priority.”