Several Fights Reported at Mall of America, 9 Arrested: Police
CBS Minnesota, December 26, 2011
Police arrested nine people at the Mall of America Monday, the day after Christmas, after multiple fights broke out, authorities said.
Mall of America officials released a statement saying that around 4:20 p.m. 50 juveniles caused a large disturbance in the north food court.
Witnesses said the fights started after there were reports that rappers Lil’ Wayne and Drake were visiting the Mall. {snip}
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Police said as many as 200 were involved the fights. A YouTube video, which contains profanity, shows a fight break out and rage before a police officer interrupts it. The fight occurs at roughly 50 seconds in.
As the fights were popping up, the Mall of America inadvertently called for a lock down. But the lock down was called off minutes later, Mall officials said.
Although the Mall is keeping its normal hours, some stores within the Mall have closed.
Some witnesses reported being evacuated from the Mall; but police said that shoppers were escorted toward the east exit to make room for the investigation, Stehlik said.
According to Stehlik, no weapons were recovered, and there are no reports of burglary. However, there is YouTube video of chairs being thrown.
