From staff reports
Initial reports of gunshots inside Chicago Ridge Mall on Wednesday afternoon turned out to be fireworks set off by three juveniles who were later apprehended.
Chicago Ridge police said they responded to reports at 3:50 p.m. of gunshots inside the shopping mall at 95th Street and Ridgeland Avenue. Several 911 callers stated they didn’t see anything, but heard noises that sounded like several gunshots.
A Chicago Ridge police officer was inside the mall at the time and quickly determined the reported gunshots were, in fact, fireworks.
Mall security officers began to pursue the three youths but lost sight of them when they ran away from the mall.
Chicago Ridge police officers were able to locate the youths with the assistance of an off-duty suburban police officer.
Police confirmed the youths were the same ones who set off the fireworks thanks to video that captured the incident. The youths are residents of Chicago Ridge and Oak Lawn.
The juveniles were transported to the Chicago Ridge Police Station for processing. They were charged with felony Disorderly Conduct and released to their parents. The case was referred to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office-Juvenile Division for adjudication.
The names of the youths were not released because they are underage.
There were no injuries.