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9 Juveniles Arrested, Several In Multiple Fights, Destruction Of Property At Eastpoint Mall Incident

DUNDALK, Md. (WJZ) -- Baltimore County Police made nine juvenile arrests following an incident at Eastpoint Mall on Friday night.

Police were dispatched to a large disturbance at the mall involving hundreds of juveniles in multiple fights.

Police also said that they received several calls of businesses being damaged.

"It was at least 300 juveniles in this parking lot area trying to break into cars, damaging the front of businesses," Shawn Vinson, Baltimore County Police Corporal, said.

Police also reported one robbery.

A female victim had her vehicle windshield destroyed and told police that her phone and purse were stolen.

Police made arrests in connection to the robbery.

Pepper spray was used by police in order to gain control of a crowd.

Police said that the incident initiated from a fight inside of the mall during, "The official high school March Madness Party" which was advertised on social media.

"I'm not sure if the mall management was aware of the size of this party that was advertised, and the number of juveniles that were going to be there," Vinson said.

The incident required response from additional precincts, aviation, K9 Units, Maryland Transportation Authority Police and the Maryland State Police.

Those who were at the scene described it as chaotic.

"Police officers were swarming," Cameron Minter said. "It was everywhere. People running and fighting and banging. Just a whole bunch of chaos."

Eastpoint Mall released the following statement in regard to the incident:

"Last night our security team responded quickly to a gathering of teenagers inside a tenant within Eastpoint Mall. After witnessing the size of the crowd, Eastpoint Mall's Security Team promptly decided to shutdown the event. Eastpoint Mall Security, in conjuction with the police helped escort the individuals outside of the mall where the incidents in question took place. We are fully investigating the event. At Eastpoint Mall we take safety and security very seriously and we will continue to do all we can to make everyone's experiences at Eastpoint safe and enjoyable."

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