9 arrested during apparent 'teen takeover' at Green Acres Mall
Citizen video appears to show large crowds dispersing, with many police cars and officers on the mall property.
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Nassau County police responded to a large disturbance at the Green Acres Mall in Valley Steam on Thursday. Police say that nine people were arrested but no details have been released regarding the charges or ages.
Citizen video appears to show large crowds dispersing, with many police cars and officers on the mall property.
Flyers about the mall "takeover" circulated among teens on social media, where organizers wrote the "takeover" would start at 3 p.m. Thursday and "ends when we get kicked out."
One shopper said she was stuck inside the mall for hours during the incident.
“Next thing you know, I can’t come in and go out of the mall,” said Aisha Hurley. “We got locked in Akira for two hours because there was chaos. They said there was a riot going on outside.”
Mall management has not released any details, but people inside the mall say stores were shut down as police kicked the teens out. Security says they were allowed to open back up after everything was under control. Security is keeping an extra close eye on kids. They’re only allowed in with a parent.
“Due to the outstanding work of the men and women of our Police Department, the mischief planned for Green Acres Mall was completely shut down with only a few minor incidents," said County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in a statement.
“Teen takeovers” have been a trend across the country including close to home. On Monday, 18 teens were detained after a takeover in the Bronx. Other malls are on high alert.
