Police are warning that yet another planned youth “takeover” at a local mall could be in the works for Saturday.
In a statement posted on social media, the Torrance Police Department said youth from around Los Angeles County are planning to take over the Del Amo Fashion Center on Saturday.
Police Chief Jay Hart pointed toward last week’s gathering at The Pike Outlets in Long Beach, where about 200 young people gathered for a planned fight between two females. A boy was shot nearby, though he is expected to recover.
Hart said Torrance police are being proactive to prevent similar outcomes on Saturday.
“We remain committed, in partnership with Del Amo Fashion Center leadership, to providing a safe experience for all visitors,” he said. “We will not accept criminal behavior, and our Department will have zero tolerance for those who come to our community and cause harm.”
Del Amo introduced a controversial chaperone policy earlier this month. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older at all times after 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. One adult can accompany up to four minors.
That policy came as a response to an incident in December when as many as 1,000 juveniles gathered at Del Amo, causing police in riot gear to respond. Officers made five arrests.
Torrance police said on Friday that road closures may be necessary if the gathering becomes large enough on Saturday.
