Eight minors arrested after fights break out at Providence Place

December 30, 2019 10:27 am

By: Ellie Romano

Email: ERomano@ABC6.com

Twitter: @ERomanoABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – At least eight people have been arrested after a series of fights broke out at Providence Place.

According to Providence Police, the altercations happened on Saturday night.

Officials report a small argument started on the third floor and the situation escalated when security arrived on-scene. Two larger groups then began fighting by the escalators.

“There was yelling. A guy was taunting the security guard,” said eye-witness Darren Sen.

One security guard used his pepper spray after getting punched in the face, according to police.

“I was in shock. It was scary,” said Sen. “It was wild.”

Police arrested five juveniles following the incident.

A short time later, another fight broke out outside the mall and three more juveniles were arrested.

Police said all were charged with disorderly conduct.

In response to the fights, Providence Place issued the following statement:

The disruptions that took place in our shopping center Saturday evening involving several teenagers is extremely upsetting to us and to those who work and shop here. We are very grateful to our security team and our partners at the Providence Police Department who acted immediately to contain the situation and remove the individuals responsible. These individuals have been identified and banned from entering Providence Place in the future. We strive to be a safe, peaceful destination for our community and we have zero tolerance for this terrible behavior. Furthermore, we have a strict Code of Conduct that everyone is required to follow. It is available on our website and displayed throughout our shopping center. We continue to work closely with our local police department and security team to evaluate and enhance our security program. However, we will not discuss the details of our security protocols because to do so would compromise its effectiveness.

This isn’t the first time something like this has happened at Providence Place. A similar incident happened in September resulting in the arrests of 10 minors.

According to Providence Police, in 2019 there have been 184 arrests at Providence Place. Of those arrested, 121 were adults, 63 were juveniles. 13 of those were arrested more than once.

Approximately 70% of the charges were for shoplifting, larceny or no charges were ever filed. Another 20% were for disorderly conduct or willful trespass (reentering the mall after being told to leave). One person was arrested for robbery. Three were arrested for aggravated assault stemming from a single non-life threatening incident.

“I think better rules and regulations could help solve the problem with a lot of kids at the mall,” said Sen.

The Warwick Mall has a rule in place to try and prevent such instances from happening there. At that mall, no more than four juveniles can shop together.

“It’s so they don’t congregate in large groups,” said the mall’s general manager Domenic Schiavone. “It’s worked really well. We very rarely have to invoke it.”

Police are still investigating why the fights started.