Mobs of Unruly Teens Brawled at Louis Mall Carnival: Cops

JOLIET, IL — Hundreds of violent, unruly teens brawled at a carnival in the Louis mall parking lot Saturday night, police said, and one was arrested when he just wouldn’t leave.

The fights broke out shortly before 9:30 p.m., less than eight and a half hours into the third day of Carnival 2017, police said.

“Bring the family over to Louis Joliet Mall for lots of fun at our Carnival!” the mall’s website advertised. The event was in the parking lot between the entrances to Carson’s and Sears.

Bottles were hurled between the factions of fighting teens but — contrary to numerous reports — no guns were fired, police said.

Two police officers working at the event managed to kick everybody out except for one teen who refused to go, said Deputy Police Chief Al Roechner. The 18-year-old, Semaj Hawkins, was arrested on a charge of criminal trespassing.

Hawkins was released on his own recognizance.

The event, which was scheduled to last until 10:30 p.m., was shut down a half hour early. The carnival was scheduled to resume Sunday at 1 p.m.