Massive fights break out across malls in US
Washington, Dec. 27: Gunfire, brawls and foodcourt fights were reported in cities across the US on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.
There were reports of disturbances in more than a dozen cities on Tuesday. Some police departments said they were responding to reports of shootings.
Police believe that, in some situations, postings on social media drew attention to the fights, CBS News reported. In Aurora, Colorado, a social media post promised a fight at the Town Center. Aurora Police Department spokesman Sgt. Chris Amsler said about 100 people had gathered in the food court before the brawls broke out, prompting the Colorado mall to close early. According to CNN, when off-duty police officers tried to break up a fight, people circled the officers. Fights broke out throughout the mall, at a movie theater and at a nearby park-and-ride lot.
About 10 people were injured during a melee at the Jersey Gardens mall in Elizabeth. A fight in the food court led to false reports of a shooting after a chair was thrown and hit the ground loudly, US Today reported.
A video posted to Facebook shows a mass of people at the Shoppes at Buckland Hills throwing wild punches, then fleeing with authorities and a large crowd giving chase.
A police officer was assaulted while trying to break up the fight, NBC reported, and several people were arrested.
In North Carolina, Cross Creek Mall in Fayetteville was evacuated after a brawl sent shoppers fleeing, WRAL-TV in Raleigh reported. — Agencies