Twenty juveniles were arrested at Summit Mall due to several altercations that broke out, according to Summit County Sheriff Kandy Fatheree.
The Fairlawn Police Department said Summit Mall closed around 5:30 p.m. Thursday due to a surge of unsupervised juveniles.
Fatheree says several altercations broke out in the mall and the parking lot.
Deputies worked to restore order and arrested 20 suspected juveniles in the process. Fatheree said deputies were assaulted, including one deputy who was treated and released by the Fairlawn Fire Department.
Officials say the arrests included charges of Disorderly Conduct, Trespassing, Obstruction of Justice, and Assault on a Police Officer (a felony).
Prior to the sheriff's statement, the Fairlawn Police Department took to Facebook to clarify Thursday's incidents.
"This situation has become a recurring issue that we have been anticipating and preparing for. In light of past incidents, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, along with Bath and Copley Police, provided assistance to our agency," Fairlawn PD said.
According to Fairlawn police, several posts online circulated containing misinformation about the events at the mall, including claims of gunfire, active shooters or other violent acts.
The department said those claims were "unfounded and irresponsible."
The mall closed abruptly in 2020 after Christmas for the same issue.
RELATED: 'Contrary to social media': City explains why Summit Mall closed abruptly after Christmas
