NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Police responded to a fight inside Patrick Henry Mall Monday evening.
Officers who were working extra duty at the mall were called to assist around 6:20 p.m.
According to police, a second disturbance was reported in the mall parking lot and a third was occurred in the area of the food court.
There were no reports of injuries or damaged property.
Officers were able to disperse the crowds and no one was arrested.
Police said there had been a rumor that a shooting had occurred during the fight but that no shots were fired.
The fight happened on what is said to be the busiest day for returns of the year and occurred around same time as similar situations at malls around the country.
Read more: December 26 “Return Rush” at many Hampton Roads retailers
Newport News Chief of Police Richard Myers released the following statement on the incidents:
“As is evident from news reports across the United States, the day after Christmas has become a day when some unaccompanied juveniles turn rowdy at shopping malls. The Newport News Police Department has been working on a plan with the local management of the mall for most of this year. Additional extra-duty officers were hired by the mall and the Department assigned additional on duty officers as well. This resulted in a rapid response that prevented injuries and damage and facilitated the mall returning to normal operations soon after the disturbances.
After analyzing prior years’ events, the Newport News Police Department made recommendations to the owners of Patrick Henry Mall as well as continuously worked with local mall management. Local management has been very receptive to ideas and the working relationship is outstanding, including that with the contracted mall security firm. We will continue to work with both local management and corporate ownership on best-practices for major retail centers. We anticipate a busy but safe shopping season for the balance of the Holiday period.”
Patrick Henry Mall also released a statement:
"We are appreciative of how quickly the NNPD, Sheriff's office, Resource Officers and Mall Security responded last night and will continue to work closely with them to make the safety and security of our shoppers our top priority."
If you have any information about this incident, call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
