Mall Brawls In CT: Several Arrests, Injuries, Temporary Closure

CONNECTICUT — Three major malls in the state turned into impromptu and unwanted fight clubs around 6 p.m. Thursday as numerous teens began fighting with one another. The incidents led to arrests at two malls and the temporary closure of a third mall. Minor injuries were also reported at one mall.

The malls affected were the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford, Westfarms Mall in West Hartford and Westfield Trumbull Mall.

The first brawls were reported at the Milford mall, which police eventually closed because of several fights involving a large number of teens. The fights were so numerous that police requested mutual aid from state police and the Stratford and West Haven police departments. Additional buses were summoned to assist with clearing out the mall grounds, police said.

Despite the chaotic scene, no arrests or injuries were reported in Milford. A witness told WTNH News 8 that the fight occurred in the food court area; there also was a report of a gun being displayed, but police have not confirmed it.

"It was just so many people, I've never seen people run so fast a day in my life before, it was so crazy," said Monae Moye of New Haven, according to News 12 CT.

The Connecticut Post Mall said in a statement that the mall was closed with the exception of Cinemark, Macy’s, Boscov’s Target, Dave & Buster’s, LA Fitness, Dick’s, Bar Louie, Guacamole’s and Buffalo Wild Wings. "We expect to return to normal business hours (Friday). We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate your understanding. The safety of our guests is a top priority."

See related: Connecticut Post Mall Initiates New Policy After Mall Brawls

Westfarms Mall Fight

A fight that took place during "a large juvenile presence" at the Westfarms Mall resulted in one arrest Thursday evening, according to West Hartford police.

Several West Hartford police officers responded to the mall as a precaution due to the large crowd. While on scene, around 6:13 p.m., officers reported a fight among juveniles. Police "quelled the disturbances and cleared the area at the request of Westfarms Mall security," Lt. Daniel Moffo said.

One juvenile was arrested and charged with interfering with an officer and disorderly conduct. The youth was issued a juvenile summons and was released to the custody of a parent, Moffo said.

West Hartford police and other agencies remained on scene to ensure the safety and security of mall patrons, police said. The mall was not shut down as a result of the incident, Moffo said.

Westfield Trumbull Mall

Police arrested one adult and six juveniles after several fights broke out at the Trumbull mall Thursday night. Officers on foot patrol at the mall were notified of a fight near the upper level of the Target store shortly before 7 p.m., Lt. Brian Weir said. Police broke up the brawl and detained six people who tried to flee.

Meanwhile, other fights broke out in several locations across the mall. Trumbull police requested backup from Bridgeport, Fairfield and Monroe police to deal with the situation. Officers escorted teens out of the mall.

Three people were injured during the fights including a juvenile male, a juvenile female and a bystander. All sustained minor injuries, police said, and the two juveniles were transported to area hospitals.

The mall remained open after large groups of teenagers were removed, and the mall returned to normal around 8 p.m., Weir said.

Daniel Vasquez, 19, of Bridgeport was charged with breach of peace. Six juveniles were arrested and charged with breach of peace and interfering with police.

Curfew Program At Two CT Malls

The two malls in Connecticut that instituted a holiday curfew program had no problems Thursday night, officials said. The curfew program is in effect at the Shoppes at Buckland Hills mall in Manchester and Brass Mill Center in Waterbury.

The policy for those two malls states that from Thursday through Monday, adult supervision is required beginning at 1 p.m. each day. The rules will apply throughout the entire shopping center property, including the parking lot and outside sidewalks.

The "Parental Guidance Required" program was first adopted from Black Friday until Dec. 21 on Fridays and Saturdays. It now extends through Dec. 30.

During PGR hours, safety officers are stationed at all entrances of the shopping center to check IDs of visitors who appear to be 17 or younger.

Those who cannot provide a valid photo ID showing they are at least 18 must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult to stay at the shopping center. One adult may accompany up to four youths (there is no limit on the number of youths age 10 and under that one adult can accompany) and must remain with them during the visit, mall officials said.

Those who provide proper identification indicating they are at least will be offered an optional wristband. Those who choose not to wear the wristband may be asked for ID again by safety officers inside the shopping center. Valid identification includes a state issued driver's license or ID card, a military ID, a school ID card or a passport. The identification must be tamper-proof and include a photograph and date of birth, according to mall officials.

Patch editors Chris Dehnel, Tim Jensen and Rich Scinto all contributed to this story.