Police responded to large disturbances at two Upstate New York malls on Tuesday, the day after Christmas.
WIVB reports large crowds of teens caused a “chaotic atmosphere” at the Walden Galleria near Buffalo. The Cheektowaga Police Department said officers deployed pepper spray in two instances to break up the crowds; no injuries were reported.
According to WGRZ, police accused children, who were mainly between the ages of 13 and 17, of attempting to bait officers into chasing them and starting fights. A 17-year-old male was arrested.
Also Tuesday, WROC reports The Mall at Greece Ridge closed early Tuesday night due to a similar disturbance involving youths. The Greece Police Department said officers responded after a group of 25 juveniles refused to leave when asked by mall security.
No injuries or arrests were reported at the mall, located near Rochester. One juvenile was detained and released to a parent.
“In an abundance of caution, The Mall at Greece Ridge was closed at 6:20pm due to youths violating the permanent curfew policy and causing a disturbance,” the mall’s official social media pages said. “The on-site Greece Police and Mall management decided to close early.”
WIVB reports police also responded to a separate incident at the Walden Galleria Tuesday where an 8-year-old kid was allegedly walking around the mall with a toy gun that holds Orbeez water pellets. The gun was not loaded and the child was turned over to family.
Dec. 26, which is a federal holiday in Canada known as Boxing Day, is a popular shopping day. Malls, including those in Upstate New York, are often busy with shoppers who received gift cards or cash as presents during the holiday season.
Police responded to a reported shooting at Destiny USA in Syracuse days earlier on Saturday, but said the incident appeared to be teenagers with a BB gun. The mall closed temporarily while police investigated; no injuries or damage were reported.