Five juveniles were arrested on Monday in connection to multiples fights that ultimately led to the evacuation of a mall in Aurora.
Police say about 500 people were part of the "large disturbance" at Town Center Aurora that broke out around 4:45 p.m. in the food court.
More fights erupted at the Century 16 and the RTD Park and Ride lot. One person at the parking lot suffered injuries and was taken to the hospital. His condition is not believed to be serious.
Aurora police tackling and dragging teen age kids, no bigger than 120 pounds and using excessive force on these children. Stop the police pic.twitter.com/edKCur5k7Y
— Lala Muniz (@LalaMuniz4) December 27, 2016
Despite reports on social media, police say no weapons were seen and there were no weapons on anyone who was arrested.
Town Center Aurora closed after the evacuation. The mall will reopen at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.
Aurora PD says they don't think this is related to cross-county mall fights that broke out on Monday. Sgt. Chris Amsler says there was an announcement on social media about the fight before it happened, but couldn't give details on what exactly it said.
At least one video on Twitter accused officers of using too much force when responding. Amsler said most officers wear body cameras, and the department will be reviewing all of that footage.
"Anyone, if they feel like our officers used excessive use of force, we encourage them to let us know about that," Amsler said during a media briefing.
The names of the juveniles have not been released. They are facing charges of disorderly conduct, interference and resisting arrest.
An investigation is ongoing and police are looking into whether this incident was gang-related. Patrols will be increased at the mall.
