Four youths have been charged following an altercation between two groups at Park Place Mall in Lethbridge on Friday. Lethbridge police say officers responded to multiple reports of youths running through the mall with what appeared to be firearms. Four male youths were located and arrested. Investigators say an airsoft pistol was seized from one youth, while a knife and baton were seized from another. Police say two groups of two youths had been moving through different areas of the mall before the confrontation. Investigators say one group observed the second pair arriving in the food court and began pursuing them. After a brief foot chase, police say a youth from the second group produced what appeared to be a firearm. The incident prompted mall patrons to take cover under tables and behind structures, according to police. Investigators determined the incident began as a verbal altercation between the two groups before escalating into a violent confrontation. During the investigation, officers also received information that a woman may have been struck by a projectile. Police are asking anyone who may have information about a possible injury or who witnessed the incident to contact Lethbridge police. A 14-year-old from Cardston faces charges including use of an imitation firearm, pointing a firearm, possession of an offensive weapon dangerous to the public, carrying a concealed weapon, committing a common nuisance, causing bodily harm with intent and mischief — obstructing the lawful use of property. A second 14-year-old from Cardston faces charges of carrying a concealed weapon, causing a disturbance and mischief — obstructing the lawful use of property. A 13-year-old and a 15-year-old, both from Lethbridge, each face charges of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, causing a disturbance and mischief — obstructing the lawful use of property. The identities of the youths cannot be published under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. All four youths were released from custody with conditions following judicial interim release hearings. They are scheduled to appear in court later next month.
