Fireworks Prank At Chicago Ridge Mall Sparks Active Shooter Fear

CHICAGO RIDGE, IL ? Shoppers fled Chicago Ridge Mall Wednesday afternoon thinking they heard gunshots, which were later determined to be fireworks being blown off inside the mall, police said.

Around 3:50 p.m., Chicago Ridge police fielded several calls from shoppers saying they didn?t see anything, but heard what sounded like gunshots inside the mall. A Chicago Ridge police officer who was inside the mall at the time quickly determined that it was not gunshots, but fireworks.

Security pursued three teens through the mall, but lost sight of them. Chicago Ridge police found the three with the assistance of an off-duty suburban police officer. Police said the three teens were identified as juveniles from Chicago Ridge and Oak Lawn.

According to police, security video captured the teens blowing off fireworks. Nobody was injured during the disturbance.

The teens were brought to the Chicago Ridge police station, where 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.