Through Anna Brown
February 21, 2026
More than a hundred teenagers gathered in the parking lot of Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, Long Island, as part of what police described as an illegal “takeover.”
By Robert Heuvel
Eleven New York teenagers were arrested after gathering at the Green Acres Mall in Nassau County, New York, and causing a disturbance that disrupted shoppers.
On February 19, more than 100 teenagers gathered in the parking lot of Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, Long Island, as part of what police described as an illegal “takeover.” When officers arrived on the scene, the crowd dispersed and police arrested eleven teenagers ranging in age from 13 to 19 years old. According to authorities, the planned takeover could have led to chaos and destruction in the shopping center.
The teens face several charges, including rioting and theft. According to police, the meeting was organized posts on social media and that another “takeover” is being promoted this weekend at Roosevelt Field Mall, another shopping center in Nassau County.
The police suspect that these meetings are organized with the intention of causing disruption. Nassau Police are currently investigating who is behind the social media posts and preparing for the next event.
As reported by News 12 Long Island, “We have a police intelligence unit that monitors social media 24 hours a day, and we are prepared; we have increased patrols in our shopping centers,” Romaine said.
Police have also identified another Instagram post advertising a rally at Roosevelt Field Mall expected to take place on February 22. The post included the caption: “Pull up. Bring boxing gloves.”
However, this is not the first meeting this week.
As reported by CBS News“The Green Acres Mall incident was the second mall takeover this week, following a takeover in the Bronx on Presidents Day. Teenagers smashed glass at a deli on Baychester Avenue in the Baychester section of the borough. Police say it was one of several chaotic moments that erupted in and around Bay Plaza Mall Monday afternoon.”
These gatherings impact shoppers and businesses, as the takeover of Green Acres Mall forced some stores to close for the day.
As these planned events continue, police officials say they are consistently monitoring social media platforms and are prepared to respond quickly to any future disturbances.
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