After more than 70 young people were detained and given citations on Saturday night at a mall in Carson following a major disturbance, some parents and relatives are criticizing the heavy police presence.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded to SouthBay Pavillion Mall around 5:30 p.m. due to reports of a large and unruly group of about 200 minors, which forced the mall to close early.
Officials reported that some of the juveniles set off illegal fireworks inside a store and started a fire in a trashcan. Despite orders to disperse, the crowd refused to leave, prompting more law enforcement to be called in.
Sheriff’s deputies formed a perimeter and were seen detaining teens, some hiding in bushes to avoid capture.
Jamila Buie’s 16-year-old nephew was among those detained and she criticized the response, suggesting only those responsible for the fire should have been held.
Deputies issued citations to the minors for failing to disperse and disturbing the peace. Some parents felt their children shouldn’t have been detained, like Amber Lyn, whose 11-year-old son is a good student and athlete.
Similar incidents have occurred before, such as one at Del Amo Fashion Center last year, leading to new rules for minors at that mall.
No injuries or thefts were reported from the Carson mall incident. The mall reopened Sunday with increased security.
Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes emphasized community safety in a statement, praising law enforcement’s swift response and calling for measures to prevent future incidents.
Despite the mall reopening, some shoppers remain concerned, urging parents to better supervise their children.