A mob of teens reportedly caused all kinds of major commotion and disruption at a shopping center containing a Burger King and a supermarket in Aurora, Colorado, on Sunday, August 30. Per a news release on
Facebook, the Aurora Police Department stated that about 500 teens, aged 14 to 17, zeroed in on the shopping center that afternoon. What ensued, according to law enforcement, was "a significant public safety issue," especially as the throng swelled enormously.Videos by Wide Open Country
Per the New York Post, the action focused on the Hoffman Heights Shopping Centre, In the Burger King, according to the outlet, teens were allegedly standing on tables, one of which reportedly broke. Some of the young people allegedly dashed through the grocery store, also "vandalizing merchandise."
Police Attempted To Rein in the Increasingly Unruly Crowd
Officers tried to get a handle on the mischief-making, However, according to the Facebook narrative, the participants allegedly stormed into businesses such as the supermarket and Burger King. "While some simply ran through the businesses, others vandalized property and stole merchandise."
At that point, Aurora police, who numbered more than 70 personnel, told the teens to leave. Because of the magnitude of the law enforcement response, the department had to "redirect" its resources.
The Aurora Police Chief Made a Statement
The Aurora, Colorado, chief of police made his opinion of the unfortunate ruckus very clear. Chief Todd Chamberlain said, "This crossed the line from a gathering of young people into a police matter because of the behavior and criminal conduct of some of those involved. We will not tolerate groups taking over roadways, disrupting businesses, damaging property or stealing under the belief that being part of a large crowd provides anonymity. It does not."
Parents and Guardians Need To Be Watchful
Chamberlain asked parents and guardians to be more vigilant about where their children are, who they associate with, and what activities they plan to go to. He noted that the consequences of unlawful misbehavior can be severe.
In the statement, he added, "The overwhelming majority of young people in our community make good decisions every day. But a crowd can create a false sense of anonymity and encourage individuals to make decisions they might never make on their own. If you commit a crime in a crowd, you should expect us to use every tool that we have available to work to identify you and hold you accountable."
