Arrest In Assault On Teens At Palisades Mall UPDATE

UPDATE: The attorney for Sharean McDonald, Jonathan B. Ripps, has issued a statement on her behalf:

Ms. McDonald approached a minor in the mall, who was seen by others stealing sneakers that belonged to her son. The minor was with a group of his friends. The theft occurred several days prior to the incident. Ms. McDonald was with her son, and did not bring any other boys with her. Ms. McDonald was given the phone by one of the boys for her to attempt to contact the minor's mother to discuss the theft. When one of the boys attempted to punch Ms. McDonald in the back of the head, the fight between the two groups of boys ensued. Both groups of boys were in the same vicinity. There was never any intention to keep the phone. The phone was returned moments after it was given to Ms. McDonald. Ms. McDonald stayed after the incident, and advised the police what transpired. She was fully cooperative and will continue to cooperate. We are hoping that the cameras at the mall captured these actions. It is a shame that this incident has been twisted in social media, and Ms. McDonald looks forward to defending her matter in court.

UPDATE: Stemming from the ongoing investigation into an assault at the Palisades Center, the Clarkstown Police Department charged Sharean McDonald, 35, of Nyack with petty larceny, a misdemeanor. She was issued an appearance ticket and will return to Clarkstown Justice Court at a later date.

Any of the juveniles who are charged over the assault on two teenage boys will be referred to Rockland County Family Court. Their names will not be released, police said.

Palisades Center officials issued a statement:

Safety is our highest priority at Palisades Center. The isolated incident shared across social media is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We are cooperating fully and actively participating with the Clarkstown Police in the ongoing investigation. While this incident undermines the tireless efforts by our security team, community partners and local law enforcement agencies that make Palisades Center a year-round family friendly destination, it only strengthens our resolve to remain vigilant and committed to providing a safe environment for our guests, employees and tenants.

WEST NYACK, NY — Clarkstown police are investigating an assault at the Palisades Center that has received wide social-media coverage since Saturday afternoon. Police said the victims were apparently identified by their attackers as being involved in an ongoing dispute about stolen sneakers.

Two teenagers were taken to Nyack Hospital where they were treated and released, police said.

According to friends of the victims' families, a woman walked up to one of them, asked to borrow a cell phone, then put it in her pocket and began to walk away. When the other complained and took a photo of her, they were jumped by a group of kids.

Clarkstown police said detectives have identified and interviewed the woman, who was pictured on various social media sites. A determination will be made as to charges being filed against her for larceny of a cell phone.

The Clarkstown Police Juvenile Aid Bureau is heading the probe. The victims' parents have been updated on the investigation, police said.

In addition, detectives are working with School Resource Officers to identify the other participants in the incident.

If you have any information on the incident call the Clarkstown Police Juvenile Aid Bureau at 845-639-5835.