Six teenagers were arrested after allegedly attacking police officers, throwing rocks and smashing cruiser windows at the South Bay shopping center in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood Monday night, police announced.
Boston police say officers were called to the South Bay Mall and District Avenue around 7 p.m. Monday for reports of a group of teens causing trouble for businesses. When the officers tried to get the group to leave, police say some of the teens began throwing rocks and attacking officers.
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According to police, when one officer went to put a teen in handcuffs, another teen kicked a police radio.
During the struggle, windows were shattered on police cruisers and several officers were hurt. The injured officers were treated by Boston EMS for non-life-threatening injuries.
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Three 16-year-olds, two 15-year-olds and a 14-year-old were arrested. Some face charges including assault and battery on a police officer. All of them were charged delinquent to wit, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. None of the suspects were identified due to their ages.
All of the teens were released to a parent or guardian and are expected to be arraigned at Boston Juvenile District Court.
South Bay has long struggled with unruly teens, especially during the summer. Off camera, those who work at the shopping center told NBC10 Boston that it's long been an issue -- not only outside, but inside stores, as well.
Shoppers agree.
"Sometimes I come through here and I see them out here, they be fooling around," a woman shopping said.
"That is horrible," said Armando Eagan-Gaigan, who frequents South Bay. "I mean, kids throwing rocks at cops, we never did that when we were growing up, I mean that is a no-no."
"Sometimes the kids come in groups and just make a lot of noise and play around but that's usually just harmless stuff," he added.
