Del Amo Mall on high alert: Police in riot gear amid threats of looting by hundreds of teens

The Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, California, was placed on high alert on Saturday night. Torrance police, clad in riot gear, closed off surrounding streets and converged on the mall following reports of a large crowd and threats of a coordinated looting attempt.

Situation Unfolds

The situation escalated when the Torrance Police Department received information about a large gathering at the Del Amo Fashion Center. According to the police department’s Facebook post, key streets including Carson Street, Del Amo Circle East, and Fashion Way were closed off to manage the situation.

The Daily Breeze reported that the mall, which was originally scheduled to close at 9 p.m., shut down early after police arrived at around 5 p.m. This move was a direct response to the threats and the growing crowd.

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Social Media Threats and Response

The incident appears to have been fueled by a social media post, where a Facebook group with 150-200 members announced plans for a flash mob-style takeover at the mall. The post indicated intentions of looting and destroying storefronts, prompting a swift law enforcement response.

As SKYCal helicopters captured footage of the scene around 6 p.m., customers were seen vacating the mall in large numbers. The police, anticipating potential unrest, were in full riot gear, standing guard around the mall’s perimeter.

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Public Safety Measures

The Torrance Police Department urged the public to avoid the area, emphasizing the uncertainty of the situation and the duration of street closures. The extent of the potential threat and the motives behind this planned action remain unclear, as the department has not released further details.