Mall brawls have been occurring across California. These brawls consist of groups of teens causing havoc at malls by assaulting each other, employees, or merchandise. Fresno’s Fashion Fair was rocked this summer when teens assaulted a worker at a Kiosk. These brawls are not just a Central Valley issue but seem to be popping up all over the state. 

Recent reports from the Del Amo mall in Torrence, California detail a massive brawl that broke out among teenagers, some reports citing as many as 100 teens. The brawl was reported to have started over discounted movie tickets for National Cinema Day. Due to the brawl in Torrence restaurants were closed as destruction was caused among them. Victims described it as “huge crowds running everywhere causing mayhem”. Gunshots were reported but there were no casualties. The police department was able to apprehend the teens, lessening the injuries and damage.  

Southcenter Mall, Emeryville Mall, and South Bay Plaza have experienced similar situations as teens Pepper sprayed civilians and caused disturbances in public areas. People were reported to be doing their shopping and had to be stopped as the interference was unsafe. Families and friends found relief after the situation died down with no casualties. Multiple teens were arrested, and eventually, things returned to normal. 

These brawls point to a disturbing trend where shopping malls are seen as places that teens can go to cause general mayhem – maybe a symptom of the decrease in shoppers over the last decade.