A major disturbance involving hundreds of minors forced a busy Carson shopping center to close Saturday night.
Authorities received reports of a large gathering at the SouthBay Pavilion shopping center around 5:20 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
During the rally, a trash can was set on fire and illegal fireworks were set off inside a store in the mall, deputies said.
The teens were given orders to disperse, but they reportedly refused to comply. Law enforcement reinforcements were called to the scene because the teens were disrupting business operations and endangering customers, authorities said.
“Some children set fire to the trash cans, which led to the arrest of more than 100 children,” said witness Jamila Buie.
Between 60 and 70 minors were reportedly arrested. It is not known why this gathering took place.
Photos from the scene showed a large law enforcement presence surrounding the mall as the teenage suspects were handcuffed.
Authorities spent about five hours arresting the suspects involved.
“Deputies arrested several juveniles who were issued citations in connection with the incident and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date,” LASD said.
No injuries or retail theft were reported in the incident.
