Authorities have reported that individuals taken into custody are facing a range of charges, such as disorderly conduct and assaulting a law enforcement officer. Due to the incidents, the mall had to shut down before the usual closing time.
Almost twenty teenagers have been apprehended following what officials describe as “multiple altercations” occurring in and around Summit Mall on Thursday afternoon.
Both the Fairlawn Police Department and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office have stated that the disturbances involved an “influx of unsupervised minors” at the mall premises and its parking area. As officers worked on restoring peace, the shopping center had to cease operations at 5:30 p.m., half an hour earlier than its regular closing time.
“This situation has become a recurring issue that we have been anticipating and preparing for,” Fairlawn police said in a statement, in reference to similar incidents that have plagued the mall in recent years. “In light of past incidents, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, along with Bath and Copley Police, provided assistance to our agency.”
The sheriff’s office says 20 juveniles were taken into custody and face a variety of charges including trespassing, obstruction of justice, and disorderly conduct. Additionally, at least one of the minors is alleged to have assaulted a peace officer, which would be a felony.
Officials have not indicated of hours at the mall will be affected during the remainder of this week or going forward. Fairlawn police also sought to combat what they called online “misinformation” regarding Thursday’s events.
“Aside from general disorder and altercations among the juveniles, there were no significant incidents,” the department wrote. “Claims of gunfire, active shooters, or other violent acts being shared online are unfounded and irresponsible.”
No other details have been provided at this time as the investigation continues.
