Large brawl prompts New Jersey mall to close early
Authorities say a large brawl that was promoted on social media prompted a New Jersey mall to close early. Hamilton Township police say that there were several small altercations throughout the day at the Hamilton Mall. One girl was arrested for disorderly conduct during one of the earlier fights.
Then, later in the evening police received reports of large groups of juveniles and young adults congregating in several areas of the mall, with a large group in the food court area. While attempting to escort multiple groups of of people out of the mall for disorderly conduct, chairs and other debris began to be thrown in the food court area. Additionally, many of them began to engage in several fights. At many as 200 people were believed to have been involved.
Five juveniles and two men were arrested as a result of the incident. The adults were identified as Amir Vaughn, 18, Mays Landing, and Theron Parrish-Jordan, 18, also of Mays Landing. They were charged with disorderly conduct. Charges for the five boys included disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
One Township of Hamilton Police Supervisor was assaulted which resulted in him sustaining a minor injury. The supervisor was treated at AtlantiCare Hospital and released. Additional charges are pending further investigation.
Several agencies rushed to help get the situation under control including the New Jersey State Police, Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Egg Harbor City Police Department, Galloway Twp. Police, the Twp. of Hamilton Rescue Squad, and AtlantiCare Paramedics.
The incident is currently under investigation and additional charges are pending for anyone identified as being involved in the incident.