The Lakewood Center mall was closed Friday afternoon following a sizable fight involving teens, officials said.
Reports on social media alleged that looting took place, but the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said that was not the case. There was some theft and property damage, however, as the crowd dispersed, Lakewood Mayor Todd Rogers said in a Facebook post.
Deputies responded to a call of a large fight involving an unknown number of juveniles at the mall’s food court, according to the department. Details on what prompted the fight were not yet available.
Over 300 people were involved in the incident, officials said.
A video posted to Instagram shows at least six deputies responding to the scene. Crowds appear to be heading towards the direction of where yelling can be heard.
Officials closed the mall to the public and it was not yet clear when it would reopen.
The mayor said he had not heard any reports of injuries to deputies or the involved parties.
The mall has more than 250 shops, department stores and eateries.
No further details were immediately available.