12 arrested for looting at mall

UPPER MERION » Upper Merion Police learned of prospective looters organizing their plans to loot via social media on Saturday evening.

According to a report they were advocating for people to come to the King of Prussia Mall with the intention of looting.

Around 9 p.m. groups began to arrive at the mall and attempted to break into stores.

The report indicated that police requests for additional resources resulted in roughly 200 police officers coming out to the scene.

As the looters continued their attempts to break into several stores and restaurants around the mall area, officers deployed to each area to stop the looters. Throughout the night, twelve people were arrested and charged with rioting and other offenses.

The report noted that throughout the night police officers had objects thrown at them by the rioters, though no serious injuries to officers were reported.

The Upper Merion Police Department deployed additional resources in the mall area on Sunday to prevent any further violence or damage. The Township declared a curfew starting at 8 p.m.

Roadways around the mall complex were closed to traffic. The King of Prussia Mall itself remained closed

Anyone that entered the mall property (including the parking lots) would be arrested for trespassing.

No further information about those arrested was available on Monday. Upper Merion Police could not be reached for comment.

SUBMITTED PHOTO The King of Prussia Mall is located at 160 N. Gulph Road in King of Prussia.