Westfield Fox Valley Mall off Route 59 in eastern Aurora. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Mall)

The Aurora Police Department is increasing security as it continues to investigate what role social media may have played in organizing a large fight that shut down the Fox Valley Mall on the evening of Monday, Dec. 26. Police are also trying to determine what connection the disturbance may have to other similar incidents that were reported in several cities across the nation this week.

Eight juveniles ranging in age from 13 to 17 have been charged in connection with the Fox Valley Mall incident that began around 6:30 p.m. when mall security officers called police after noticing a large group of teenagers begin to gather in the food court area of the mall, Aurora Police department spokesman Dan Ferrelli said

Several officers responded to the scene and told the teens to disperse, but a short while later, a large fight broke out, followed by several smaller altercations.

An Aurora Police Sergeant and a mall security guard were both battered while trying to break up the larger fight, but neither victim required immediate medical attention, according to Ferrelli.

As the situation began to quickly escalate, the crowd refused to obey orders from police and security guards. Police said some teens began throwing drinks and other items, creating further danger for shoppers.

“With more than 1,000 patrons in the common area and other patrons shopping throughout the facility, Aurora Police made the decision to evacuate and close the mall for the safety of everyone on the premises,” Ferrelli said.

The mall was closed for about one hour while police contained and controlled the situation. Aurora Police received assistance from the Naperville, Woodridge, St. Charles, Geneva, Kane and DuPage County Sheriffs, Illinois State Police, Fox Valley Park District and the West Chicago Police Departments. In total, approximately 75 officers restored order at the mall. No one was seriously injured during the incident.

Aurora Police continue to work closely with Fox Valley Mall security to assure the safety of businesses and shoppers, including conducting extra patrols in the immediate future, Ferrelli said.

The eight juveniles charged are facing misdemeanor charges, however, police are not ruling out enhancing them to felonies. Ferrelli said more arrests are possible.

Those charged include a 17-year-old girl with battery and resisting police; a 15-year-old girl charged with resisting police and disorderly conduct; two females, ages 13 and 15 and a 15-year-old male charged with battery; and two 14- year-old males and a 16- year-old female charged with obstructing police. All of the teens are Aurora residents except for the 15-year- old girl charged with resisting and disorderly conduct. She lives in North Aurora.

Anyone with information is asked to call Aurora Police Investigations at (630) 256-5500 or Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at (630) 892-1000. Tips can also be submitted through the Aurora Police Department’s free app available from iTunes, the Android Market, or Amazon App Store. Simply search for “My Police Department”, find the Aurora Police, and download.

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Eight charged, security increased after fights shut down Fox Valley Mall —