By Dick Berry - email
Posted by Dave Dykema - email
TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) - Violence broke out Saturday night at Westfield Franklin Park Mall as fights involving at least 100 kids erupted. They tussled in the food court, around the movie theater and in several other locations.
For a short time the mall went on lock down and some stores reportedly went so far as closing early for the night.
Once everything was sorted out, at least 13 teenagers were arrested. They face charges of assault, obstructing official business, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
Franklin Park Mall officials claim they have a comprehensive security plan in place involving uniformed, foot, bike and vehicle patrols.
The mall issued this statement about the fights:
"First and foremost, the safety of our shoppers is paramount and always a priority and Westfield strives everyday to give every shopper a positive experience.
"If any shopper feels uncomfortable and/or observes any suspicious behavior, we hope they will report such immediately to our management, customer service and/or security personnel. We take such matters very seriously, and behaviors that are dangerous, offensive or violate the center's conduct code are not tolerated."
There were no reports of serious injuries but it still has people wondering about mall security.
"They need to get people there who understand what's going on with young people. Get control of that," one person said.
One man who was there with his wife says she'll never return on a weekend night.
Another opined, "I won't go there at night. I don't want to be exposed to that."
"I wouldn't want to go there. Not at night. All the crap that goes on," Rachael Mominee said. She knows about the fights firsthand. She used to work at the mall. "A lot of people arguing back and forth. Pushing until security guards would come up. Lots of thefts going on. Getting worse and worse."
