No arrests, no gunfire after large teen gathering at Short Pump Town Center

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Henrico Police say no arrests have been made after dozens of teens gathered at Short Pump Town Center in Henrico County on Saturday night in what was described as a large teen "takeover event."

At about 7:10 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, officers with the Henrico County Police Division were notified by mall security at Short Pump Town Center, located at 11800 W. Broad St., of a large gathering of juveniles in front of a store.

The initial report said that some of the juveniles may have been fighting. As mall security and police officers, who were already on scene, approached the group, the group of teenagers began to run through the mall.

Woman captures aftermath video of teen fight at Short Pump Town Center

In an update shared by police, the afternoon of Monday, March 16, police confirmed that one fight between two people did happen, but no report was filed because the two teens ran away.

There were initial reports of gunshots, though police said those reports were false.

According to a release, police personnel have coordinated with mall security to review video surveillance from the property and reports filed in connection with the gathering, as well as talking with officers who were on site in a patrol and off-duty capacity.

"While the initial call for service around 7:10 p.m. was for a large gathering of juveniles who may have been fighting in front of a store, Henrico Police have not been able to confirm that happened," officials wrote in the release.

Henrico Police determined several dozen middle to high school-aged children were on the property at Short Pump Town Center in connection with a “takeover event,” which was publicized on social media.

"We try to do our best to monitor social media,” said Henrico Chief of Police Eric D. English, in a press release. "If we do see something that we feel might have a chance to create some issues, we try to follow up and be prepared prior to the event taking place. If you see something suspicious, please contact us with those details.”

However, authorities were not aware of the “event” until after the 7 p.m. call for service, but they noted the increased presence of teens on the property.

As of reporting, no arrests or charges have been filed, though one teen was arrested and charged in connection with an unrelated shoplifting incident at Dick’s Sporting Goods around 5:45 p.m. that evening.