SHORT PUMP, Va. — A mother who was at Short Pump Town Center with her 1-year-old baby when dozens of teenagers began fighting Saturday evening said the chaos left her fearing for her family's safety.
"We were with our baby," Ana Maglier recalled. "We didn't know what was happening. The first thing I thought was, 'Wow, maybe they started to shoot because everyone was running.'"
Maglier and her partner, Daniel Lysinger, were among the shoppers caught in the chaos when mall security called Henrico Police around 7:10 p.m. about a large gathering of teens near one of the stores.
As security and officers approached, the teens scattered throughout the mall and spilled into surrounding roadways, including across all lanes of W. Broad Street.
Investigators believe a social media post promoting a "takeover event" drew a large number of middle and high-school-age teens to the mall.
Crime Insider sources said a flyer titled "Short Pump Mall Takeover" was turned over to detectives as evidence.
Many of the teens appear to have been dropped off at the mall without adult supervision, according to police.
Reports of gunshots on the property circulated during the incident but were determined to be false. Police confirmed no shots were fired and no injuries were reported.
Some patrons were locked inside stores during the incident, while others were told to leave. The mall closed early as officers worked to restore order.
Maglier said the incident, which she described as "stressful," cast a shadow over what had been a pleasant day.
"There was a lot of kids around and it was such a wonderful day yesterday," Maglier said. "All the families were there to have a good time and that wasn't possible."
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Police investigate teen 'takeover' that shut down Short Pump mall
Lysinger said the couple is reconsidering their plans to return to the mall.
"I think we might try and find other places to hang out," Lysinger said.
One teen was arrested in connection with an earlier shoplifting incident at Dick's Sporting Goods around 5:45 p.m. The boy was charged with shoplifting and obstruction of justice in connection with the earlier incident.
Officials noted patrol and off-duty officers were already at the mall working on that case when they were called about the group.
Police are encouraging parents to stay informed about their children's whereabouts and activities.
"Large 'takeover events' are a growing nationwide trend, and community awareness is key to ensuring everyone remains safe," police said.
Short Pump Town Center said Sunday the mall is operating as normal. Henrico Board of Supervisors members Misty Roundtree and Tyrone Nelson have not yet responded to requests for comment.
As the investigation continues, Henrico Police are asking anyone with information to call Henrico County Police at 804-501-5000, Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000, or submit the information through the P3Tips application on their mobile device. Information submitted through Crime Stoppers and the P3Tips application can be completed anonymously.
This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
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