‘Multiple fights’ at Pentagon City mall in US – Video
‘Multiple fights’ broke out at a shopping mall in Arlington in United States’ Virginia on Saturday, leaving a police officer and a mall security guard with minor injuries, Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) said.
Three juveniles, including one who also received minor injuries, were arrested at the Fashion Centre in Pentagon City mall, which has been closed following the disturbances.
“Police responded the 1100 block of S. Hayes Street for the report of multiple fights in the area. At the direction of ACPD, the mall is now closed. Police remain on scene. Please avoid the area,” the PD said in a post on X.
“Three juveniles have been detained. One of the detained juveniles reported minor injuries. One officer and one mall security guard reported minor injuries. Police remain on scene investigating. Mall is closed. Avoid the area,” it shared in a preliminary update.
Police ordered closure of the Pentagon City mall at around 7:30 pm, while its regular closing time is 9 pm, according to a report.
Videos going viral on social media show total chaos inside the mall. People are seen fighting each other, with police moving in to restore order amid the chaos.
As per a few social media accounts, police were forced to call for reinforcements, as well as emergency medical services.
Pentagon City was locked down in September last year, too, due to what was described as “smash-and-grab robbery” by a group of teenagers.
In that case, Arlington County Police originally responded to reports of shots being fired inside, but the preliminary investigation revealed no shots were fired. The lockdown had lasted for about an hour before customers were able to finally leave the mall.
