Reports of an organized ‘flash mob’ at the Chicago Ridge Mall sent mall security and store owners into a frenzy Sunday.
Police received tips form school teachers and a Chicago Police Department gang unit that clost to 300 teens were planning to collect at the Chicago Ridge Mall.
The mob was supposed to gather around 4 p.m. in the mall, located at 95th Street and Ridgeland Avenue, and sparked storeowners to close shop early.
Nearly 50 police officers crowded the area, but no flash mob occurred.
Officers reportedly saw busses of teens arriving, but retreating once they saw the officers.
The teens tweeted messages later that the plans were cancelled because of too many officers, Chicago Police told Pyzmarski.
"We averted the problem," said Chicago Ridge Police Chief Robert Pyzmarski. "Our goal was to send a message that kind of behavior will not be tolerated."
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Recent mobs have sparked dozens of arrests and injuries after large groups spurred fights and vandalized areas, police said.
A teen rampage last Saturday injured two people and resulted in dozens of arrests while area youths attended an appearance by music group Mindless Behavior.
