"On Feb. 19, more than 100 teenagers gathered in the parking lot of Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, Long Island, as part of what police described as an illegal "takeover." When officers arrived at the scene, the crowd dispersed, and police arrested 11 teens ranging in age from 13 to 19 years old. According to authorities, the planned takeover could have led to chaos and destruction at the mall."
"The teens face a variety of charges, including rioting and robbery. Police say the gathering was organized through social media posts and that another "takeover" is being promoted this weekend at Roosevelt Field Mall, another shopping center in Nassau County. Police believe these gatherings are being organized with the intent to cause disruption. The Nassau Police Department is currently investigating who is behind the social media posts and is preparing for the next event."
"As reported by News 12 Long Island, "We have an intelligence unit of the police department that monitors 24 hours a day social media, and we are prepared; we have increased patrols in our malls," said Romaine. Police have also identified another Instagram post promoting a gathering at Roosevelt Field Mall expected to take place on Feb. 22. The post included the caption, "Pull up. Bring boxing gloves.""
More than 100 teenagers gathered in the Green Acres Mall parking lot in Valley Stream, Long Island, prompting police to label the event an illegal takeover. Officers arrived, the crowd dispersed, and 11 teens aged 13 to 19 were arrested on charges including rioting and robbery. Authorities say the gathering was organized via social media and that another takeover is being promoted at Roosevelt Field Mall. The Nassau Police Department is investigating the social media organizers and increasing patrols. An intelligence unit monitors social media around the clock. A separate mall takeover in the Bronx earlier the week involved smashed deli glass.
Read at Black Enterprise
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]