More than 70 teenagers were detained after an unruly crowd set off fireworks and lit trash cans on fire at Carson Mall on Saturday night.
Shortly before 7 p.m., the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Carson Station responded to reports that a crowd of approximately 200 people, mostly teenagers, was causing a disturbance at the SouthBay Pavilion Mall.
“Trash cans were set alight and illegal fireworks were set off at one of the retail stores inside the mall,” the Sheriff’s Department posted on Instagram. “Carson deputies responded quickly and issued a dispersal order. The group refused to comply, and surrounding law enforcement agencies also Assistance was provided.
The mall was closed and deputies ordered the crowd to disperse. About 73 teenagers who failed to disperse were detained and issued summonses to appear in court. said Sheriff’s Sgt. Robert Fulop. One adult was arrested and several juveniles were taken to the Carson station and released to adults, Fulop said.
The mall’s management did not immediately respond to calls and emails from The New York Times.
Fulop said it was his understanding that the mall has a guardian policy similar to one instituted earlier this year by the Torrance Del Amo Fashion Center in response to two fights that occurred last year.
Fulop said the policy does not appear to be enforced.
“As far as I know, none of them have adult guardians,” he said. “Problems can arise in any venue like this. There are so many entry points and they can get into all parts of the mall.
Fulop said the mall was finally cleared around midnight.
