W. Pa. mall increases police presence after fights
MONROEVILLE (AP) – A Western Pennsylvania shopping mall is increasing security after hundreds of fighting teens forced it to close early last week.
The Monroeville Mall said it will increase the number of officers on patrol Fridays and Saturdays from one to four.
The mall’s owner, Tennessee-based CBL & Associates Properties Inc., will foot the bill.
Monroeville Police Chief K. Douglas Cole called the fight an isolated incident and says the mall area has seen a drop in crime.
He says large groups of teens began showing up around 5 p.m. Friday and swelled to as many as 1,000 people.
Employees said stores closed early after fights were reported about 8 p.m.
At least two people were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Cole reported minor damage to the mall, including to kiosks.