CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WBEN) – Three girls were arrested in the aftermath of a large police presence at Walden Galleria.
Cheektowaga Police said Monday morning they were called to the mall on Saturday at 6:25 p.m. to assist mall security after there were 30 underage kids in the food court.
About 30 minutes later, a fight broke out that involved about 100 kids.
The three girls were charged with inciting to riot. One of those three were also charged with resisting arrest. Their names were not released. They have since been return to their parents.
There were also two other fights that broke out later that evening, though police did not arrest anybody as the kids fled once police arrived.
"The Cheektowaga Police Department remains committed to maintaining order and keeping our residents and visitors to the Town safe," Cheektowaga Police said in a statement. "We are reviewing the events from this weekend to ensure that everything possible is being done."
There were no reported injuries and no weapons involved.
West Seneca, Depew, Lancaster, and NFTA Police Departments assisted.
Cheektowaga Police declined our request to have our interview recorded, but Assistant Police Chief Brian Gould said the large police response was, in part, due to the size of the mall. He said the department is talking to Pyramid Management to find out what prompted the brawl and said patrols will increase.
According to the Walden Galleria's website, they have a parental escort policy from 4:00 p.m. until close on Friday and Saturday evenings. Visitors under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 21 years of age or older.
