Ocoee Theater - The Ocoee Police Department was forced to call for backup from law enforcement agencies in nearby cities after hundreds of teenagers stormed a local mall and attempted to rush into the movie theater without paying.
According to Orange County police, up to 800 - 900 middle school and high school students attempted to enter a theater at the West Oaks Mall without paying some hours before midnight on Saturday. Earlier reports indicate that the teenagers caused a disturbance at the food quarters.
It is unclear what precipitated this large gathering of the teenagers. Orange County police reports indicate that about 200 - 300 teenagers were able to enter into the theater before police intervened and dispersed them.
Local sources say fighting erupted between the teenagers in the parking lot and at least two people were arrested after gunshots were fired.
"There was a shot fired and somebody was robbed," Lt. Paul Hopkins revealed."But the Ocoee Police Department jumped on that quickly and were able to catch the gunman with the gun and make an arrest out of that."
According to the Ocoee Police Department, one teenager was arrested for battery and resisting arrest without violence. Another teenager was arrested on drug charges after police reportedly found drugs in his car during a search.
"Our main concern is this: These are middle and high school kids going to a public movie theater, some armed with guns, some firing guns, some fighting in the parking lot, disturbing everyone else there. Not only that, but putting them in danger with the violence they're creating," Lt. Hopkins explained.
Investigators say some of the teenagers gathered at a nearby gas station and continued to cause some commotion, but there were ultimately dispersed. Police later called their parents to come and pick them up. Investigators are reportedly looking into what caused the riots.
