The Summit County Sheriff says a series of fights at the Summit Mall Thursday were part of an orchestrated social media stunt meant to wreak havoc.
Twenty juveniles were arrested at Summit Mall due to several altercations that broke out
20 arrested after Summit Mall closes due to juvenile general disorder
RELATED: 20 juveniles arrested after Summit Mall closes due to juvenile general disorder
“It’s really becoming a major problem across the nation. I think it’s harming our kids,” said Sheriff Kandy Fatheree.
The sheriff explained that 20 deputies were providing extra security Thursday as the agency braced for a fourth year of violence. Around 4:30 pm, an estimated 200 teenagers showed up at the mall, and brawls began breaking out. It was the largest Boxing Day incident since the annual violence started becoming a trend.
“We have a group of teenagers who have turned Boxing Day into a true ‘boxing day’ and it’s really about them going to fight,” she said.
Investigators believe a social media callout told the teens to meet at a specific time and place.