BRENTWOOD — A gathering planned on social media of more than 300 juveniles swarmed the Streets of Brentwood shopping center Friday afternoon, prompting multiple law enforcement agencies to respond, forcing early business closures and leading to five arrests.
The meet-up, which began around 3:30 p.m., was reportedly organized through social media. The large crowd of mostly juveniles appeared without any specific reason beyond meeting up, but the gathering quickly turned chaotic.
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“Several in the group became unruly,” the Brentwood Police Department said in a statement. “Physical fights occurred throughout the property, several entered various businesses knocking items off shelves and onto the ground, while others ran in-and-out of traffic on Sand Creek Road.”
Four juveniles were arrested for misdemeanor violations and a fifth was arrested for battery on a peace officer. All five were cited and released to their parents, according to Brentwood police.
Out of safety concerns, businesses within the outdoor mall shut down early “to protect staff and property,” police said. No serious injuries have been reported so far.
Officers from neighboring Oakley police department, the California Highway Patrol and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office were called in to help disperse the crowd.
Police also said that during the incident, officers performed a high-risk stop on a vehicle with their duty weapons drawn after receiving a report that the driver had a firearm. No weapons were found, and no arrests were made in that case.
“While our agency supports peaceful gatherings, we will not tolerate disruptive or destructive behavior,” Brentwood police said. “We have a staffing plan in place to monitor and deal with any future gatherings.”
Anyone with information or video footage is asked to contact the Brentwood Police Department at 925-809-7911.
The Streets of Brentwood, located off Highway 4 and Sand Creek Road, is a popular open-air shopping center in East Contra Costa County. It features a movie theater, Sprouts Farmers Market, a newly opened Barnes & Noble bookstore, and several other restaurants and retailers.