(Fairlawn) - Police say they wanted to dispel rumors as to why Summit Mall in Fairlawn closed early on Saturday, the day after Christmas.
Fairlawn Police said in a statement that large numbers of young people were gathering together at the mall, and a number of fights took place. Because of those fights, and because of concerns over COVID-19, mall management decided to close early.
Police say if people thought they heard the sound of gunshots, it was the echoing sound of store gates suddenly being closed.
Similar situations were reported on Saturday at malls in Independence, Missouri; Peoria, Illinois; and Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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