Local malls look at security after mall fights nationwide

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Malls across the Charlotte area are looking over security after several fights broke out a malls nationwide Monday, including in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

"It could happen anytime, any place, anywhere," said Lee Ratcliff with Professional Security Services, which provides protection for retailers all over Charlotte.

Ratcliff said his method for preventing chaotic scenes inside malls is making sure that security is visible.

Security guards also work with Charlotte-Mecklenburg police, monitor social meda and get push alerts on their phones. It's a plan they put into practice during the September riots in and around Charlotte.

"You have to understand the environment you're in and what to kind of expect as you go into that environment," Ratcliff said.

"A lot of times, that presence can help deter a lot of things from happening," Ratcliff said.

Northlake Mall officials said the safety of their guests is their top priority.

"While our security plans are not publicized, teams are onsite 24/7. We have implemented additional measures, some of which are visible and others that are behind the scenes, to accommodate the increased traffic during the holidays," Northlake Mall officials said in a statement.

Channel 9 also reached out to Concord Mills and SouthPark malls and asked what security measures their taking to keep shopper safe. Channel 9 is waiting to hear back.

So far, there have been no major issues at malls in the Charlotte area.

Mall brawl breaks out in Fayetteville 

A North Carolina mall was evacuated Monday after a fight sent a crowd of after-Christmas shoppers fleeing.

Multiple news outlets report that numerous police and ambulances converged on the Cross Creek Mall after some type of altercation. Few details were immediately available, including whether anyone was hurt.

Witness Hannah Pritchard tells WRAL-TV that she was leaving a store with her boyfriend when she saw police inside the mall among hundreds of shoppers.

She says that she saw a man being handcuffed, and she and her boyfriend quickly left. She described the situation as scary.

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