Police: Youth fighting, fireworks part of ‘multiple disturbances’ at Fox Valley Mall

Groups of young people were fighting and lighting off fireworks inside and outside of Fox Valley Mall Friday night, but there were no reports of injuries, Aurora police said.

Police received multiple calls for a large disturbance involving roughly 50 juveniles outside the mall about 6:40 p.m. After officers worked to disperse the group, police were notified by mall security that they needed assistance with dispersing some 100 to 200 juveniles inside and outside of the shopping center.

During those efforts, juveniles continued to reenter the mall, causing “multiple disturbances,” which included fighting, throwing items and lighting off fireworks, police said in an emailed statement to the Daily Herald Saturday.

Police confirmed there were no shots fired, and there were no injuries reported to the department at the time. The Fox Valley Mall also is reporting no property damage.

Due to safety concerns, the mall told police it would be closing early, and police worked with mall employees to escort all patrons out of the center safely.

Once the juveniles dispersed, Aurora police responded to and resolved several smaller disturbances in the surrounding area, resulting in one juvenile being taken into custody, according to the statement. The juvenile was charged with battery.

Although only one arrest was made, police still are investigating what happened, and will pursue further criminal charges as appropriate, the statement read.

Police thanked the mall for working with officers to resolve the situation.

“We simply will not tolerate any of this type of activity in Aurora,” said Mayor Richard Irvin in a statement. “I applaud the Fox Valley Mall and the Aurora Police Department for working quickly and collaboratively to shut it down and to send a clear message that this will not happen here.”