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A flash mob of around 400 teenagers turned a northern California mall into mayhem on Sunday. The scene culminated in reports of vandalism, looting, and violent altercations. And gunshots were fired, inciting panic and causing the crowd to scatter.

The Bay Street Mall is located in Emeryville, a small city situated to the north of Oakland. A teen was stabbed, adding to the turmoil that unfolded.

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Law enforcement authorities report this gathering was organized and coordinated via social media. And was promoted across multiple platforms.

The same social media platforms have posts of videos of the event. They show a chaotic rush of teenagers streaming past the AMC Theater captured the intensity of the situation.

One video portrays a reflective plastic traffic post hurled into the fleeing crowd, striking one person.

Flash mob at second scene

Prompted by reports of a brawl, police response in Torrance was similarly swift.

The incident unfolded at the Del Amo Fashion Center, resulting in a considerable police presence at the scene. 

As the situation escalated, a gunshot was reported, although no gunshot victims were found.

While the commotion outside the mall attracted significant attention, the surrounding businesses remained unaffected, and evacuation was unnecessary. Eventually, law enforcement managed to escort the juveniles away from the premises, ensuring that the immediate situation was contained.

There have been no reports detailing any arrests made during that incident. Police investigation revealed that social media did not play a part in the second flash mob. The event was later downgraded to a “brawl” among a group of juveniles.

Task force investigates

In a separate incident involving a flash mob, the Nike Community Store in East Los Angeles fell victim to a heist that prompted law enforcement to take action. 

Following a two-day undercover operation, ten individuals were apprehended, and stolen merchandise worth $3,000 was recovered. The operation also exposed the involvement of two criminal street gangs in these organized retail theft rings.

These events have become part of a larger trend of flash mob robberies targeting brand-name stores across various locations, from Glendale to Canoga Park. 

A task force composed of local and federal cooperating agencies was established. No doubt the task force will be investigating the latest teen wilding incidents.