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© KATRINA BUSH
Five people were hit -- and one killed -- when gunfire erupted near a shopping center in northwest Baltimore Friday afternoon.

The incident occurred 5400 block of Reisterstown Rd. at about 3 p.m.

"We're fortunate that we're not talking about any children out here. ... there is a school several blocks up the street," Baltimore Police spokesman T.J. Smith said. "This is a brazen act at 3 o'clock. ... It's a crowded shopping center. There are always cars in the shopping center."

Smith urged witnesses to come forward.

"We want the community to understand, it could've been one of your kids out here," Smith said.

While the incident occurred on a sidewalk near the Hilltop Plaza Shopping Center, Baltimore police have extended the crime scene the length of the shopping center parking lot.

Baltimore police have so far not released a description of the victims. Smith could only confirm that they were adults. The four surviving victims were listed in stable condition.

An officer who was already on patrol in the area called in the shooting.

"This is the frustrating part for all of us... They've been out here. They've been in these communities," Smith said. "It's very possible that the bad guy saw our officer."