PBSO presence at Wellington mall after online post promotes ‘teen takeover’
By Caleb Califano
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WELLINGTON, Florida (WPBF) — Law enforcement maintained a visible presence at the Mall at Wellington Green on Friday after an online post promoted a “teen takeover” event at the shopping center.
The viral trend involves large groups of teenagers gathering at unsanctioned events, sometimes drawing hundreds of people. Similar events across Florida in recent months have resulted in arrests, fights and shootings.
By Friday afternoon, signs posted at entrances to the mall read, “The mall takeover is over.”
Inside the mall, operations appeared largely normal. However, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies were visible throughout the property, particularly near the food court.
PBSO said it became aware of the planned gathering after seeing reports of social media posts advertising the event. One flyer stated, “Let’s take over.”
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said the number of deputies assigned to the mall was consistent with what would normally be expected, but additional resources were available if needed.
By Friday afternoon, signs posted at entrances to the mall read, “The mall takeover is over.”
Inside the mall, operations appeared largely normal. However, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies were visible throughout the property, particularly near the food court.
PBSO said it became aware of the planned gathering after seeing reports of social media posts advertising the event. One flyer stated, “Let’s take over.”
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said the number of deputies assigned to the mall was consistent with what would normally be expected, but additional resources were available if needed.
The trend has also drawn attention from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.
Earlier this week, Uthmeier posted on social media that his office is developing plans to investigate and prosecute those responsible for organizing teen takeover events.
“Whoever is organizing these ‘teen takeovers,’ congrats: You have my attention,” Uthmeier wrote. “This behavior is unacceptable, and I’m having our statewide prosecutors develop a plan to investigate and prosecute those who are responsible for these events.”
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