Looting Threats At South Shore Plaza Draw Police Response

BRAINTREE, MA — Local police descended on the South Shore Plaza on Monday night after hearing social media chatter about people planning to loot the mall.

According to Braintree police, there were several arrests overnight. Suspects were charged with refusing to leave and failure to stop for police.

Police said one person crashed their car through a fence separating the mall parking lot and Flaherty Elementary School. The driver led police on a chase into Stoughton and was apprehended by Randolph and State Police. Police said they found smoke grenades and commercial grade fireworks in the car.

It wasn't immediately made clear how many arrests were made.

"This evening, all admin, plain clothes, and detectives reported to duty in uniform to assist patrol," police said in a Facebook post. "This proactive approach maintained a command presence in and around neighborhoods of the plaza, which contributed to those wanting to commit crime, turn around and head home."

Police around the region are on alert following violent protests in Boston on Sunday night and early Monday morning. Fifty-three people were arrested, some for looting stores and vandalizing property.

Police in Natick were also called to the Natick Mall on Monday for a similar threat as the South Shore Plaza.