Investigators say it started as a robbery just after 3:34p.m. Friday afternoon.
But when someone tried to help the robbery victim - the suspects opened fire.
The gunfire sent shoppers and people working at the mall scrambling for cover.
"Everybody running started running out, everybody started running out," said "Mike," who used a pseudonym.
The victim was taken to John Muir medical center-- where he is in stable but critical condition.
Police won't say if a suspect is in custody -- but say there's no threat to the public.
The mall was put on lockdown-- and was closed for the night.