Party Of More Than 500 Breaks Into Brawl At Monroeville Mall Winghart's
MONROEVILLE (KDKA) – Police responded to reports of a riot at the Monroeville Mall overnight.
It all started around 1 a.m. at the Winghart's restaurant attached to the mall.
Local college students were reportedly going to an event called the All White Affair.
Initial reports indicated that more than 100 people were at the event.
However, officials say somewhere between 500 and 1,000 people were at the event. Students wore all white and many shared photos of the event using the hashtag #AllWhiteAffair2015.
"We know that three came from California University, we believe other individuals came from IUP, Indiana University, Edinboro, Slippery Rock -- possibly as far as Gannon coming here," said Monroeville Police Chief Doug Cole.
But the fun was cut short when violence broke out, with many rushing to leave the restaurant and parking lot.
Sources tell KDKA a fight started in the restaurant and spilled out into the parking lot. Around 20 different police departments were called to respond.
Officials say two shots were fired, but no one was actually hit.
Two people were taken to the hospital. It's unclear how one person was injured, but another was treated for asthma.
Police were also called to an Eat 'n' Park as the crowd dispersed and some people showed up there.
Sources say both Sheetz on Route 22 were closed to prevent people from converging there.
Police say the event was originally planned for the Liquid Club and Lounge in White Oak. Several organizers posted messages on Twitter saying the party was moved.
Since the party location was switched at the last minute, neither the Monroeville Mall, nor the police department had any knowledge it was coming to Winghart's.
Police are concerned they weren't notified by the restaurant for safety planning.
"The issue here at the mall, that Winghart's was not paying attention to, was obviously they were over occupancy," said Cole. "They have a fire hazard, a fire panic hazard, a building code issue."
One person was arrested for disorderly conduct. Police are continuing to investigate.
Earlier this year, three people were shot and wounded in the Macy's at the Monroeville Mall.
Since then, several security changes have been made to help prevent further incidents.
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