Eight juveniles charged in mall disturbance in Aurora

AURORA – Eight juveniles ranging in age from 13 to 17 have been charged in connection with a large disturbance that began around 6:30 p.m. Dec. 26 at the Fox Valley Mall on Aurora’s far east side.

Aurora police were called by mall security after they observed a large group of teenagers gathering in the food court area. Several officers arrived on the scene, including a police sergeant who was working an extra duty detail job at the time, and they – along with mall security – told the youths to disperse, according to a news release. Shortly thereafter, a large fight broke out, followed by several smaller altercations. While trying to break up the larger fight, the Aurora police sergeant and a mall security employee were both battered, stated the release.

The disturbance quickly escalated as the crowd refused to obey police and security personnel orders, with some of the teens throwing drinks and other items, stated the release.

With more than 1,000 patrons in the common area and other patrons shopping throughout the facility, Aurora police made the decision to evacuate and close the mall for the safety of everyone on the premises. The mall was closed for about one hour while police contained and controlled the situation, stated the release.

Aurora police received assistance from the following police agencies: St. Charles, Geneva, Naperville, Woodridge, West Chicago, the Fox Valley Park District, Kane County Sheriff's Office, DuPage County Sheriff's Office and Illinois State Police. In total, approximately 75 officers restored order at the mall, according to the release.

All of the charges lodged are misdemeanors; however, police as of early Dec. 27 were not ruling out enhancing them to felonies. They also said more arrests are possible, stated the release.

Police specifically dealt with a 17-year-old girl charged with battery and resisting police; a 15-year-old girl charged with resisting police and disorderly conduct; two females, ages 13 and 15, and a 15-year-old male charged with battery; and two 14-year-old males and a 16-year-old female charged with obstructing police. All of the youths are Aurora residents, except for the 15-year-old girl charged with resisting and disorderly conduct; she lives in North Aurora.

No one involved in the altercations, including police and mall security, required immediate medical attention, nor were there any injuries to mall patrons, stated the release.

Aurora police continue to investigate what role social media may have played in organizing the disturbance and what connection the disturbance may have to other similar incidents that were reported in several cities across the nation. A motive behind the disturbance was not immediately known, according to the release.

Anyone with information is asked to call Aurora police investigations at 630-256-5500 or Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at 630-892-1000.

Tips also can be submitted through the Aurora Police Department’s free app, available from iTunes, the Android Market or Amazon AppStore. Search for “My Police Department,” find the Aurora police and download.