Mock shooting and SWAT response tonight at Westfield Countryside mall

CLEARWATER -- If you hear gunfire and sirens and see cops swarming around Westfield Countryside mall tonight, don't worry. It's just a drill.

Four police agencies are using the mall at U.S. 19 N and State Road 580 to stage a SWAT training drill.

The scenario will simulate a mall shooting and is scheduled to begin about 9 p.m., when the mall has closed.

Roughly 75 SWAT members will practice their tactics and communications against a dozen or so shooters in the mall. A helicopter, armored personnel carrier and other vehicles are expected.

"It's going to be a good training night for our agencies," said Cpl. Randy Corlett, a SWAT supervisor at the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and one of the drill organizers.

The lead agency in the exercise is the Clearwater Police Department. In addition to the Sheriff's Office, the Largo Police Department and the Pinellas Park Police Department also will send officers.

- Jonathan Abel, Times staff writer