Several hundred juveniles cause chaos in Center City

Hundreds of boys caused chaos in Center City around the Fashion District mall on Wednesday night, with some reportedly throwing stones at police before finally breaking up.

One officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries and several were arrested, police said.

Mayor Jim Kenny posted a late-night statement on Twitter, writing, “A large group of mostly young people were disruptive and destructive in Center City. This dangerous behavior will not be tolerated. We are public. We take our safety very seriously — we appreciate @PhillyPolice for responding, dispersing the crowd, and making the necessary arrests.”

Shortly after 6:40pm, police were able to gradually move the crowd out after responding to a major brawl inside the Fashion District. Hundreds of boys remained in the area along Market Street, reportedly clashing with police, throwing rocks, climbing traffic lights and riding in police cars around 8:30 p.m. there is

Police were called in from other parts of the city, who were eventually able to move people west past City Hall. Police said many people boarded the subway and one jumped onto the track area and walked south along the Broad Street Line from City Hall to Walnut He Locust station.

During the riot, an alleged gunman was arrested near Ninth Avenue and Market Street, though it was not immediately clear if he was part of the crowd.

The Philadelphia School District is on Spring Break this week.

“It saddens me to see young people behaving in ways that put themselves and others at risk. We all have to work together to support young people,” Kenny continued on Twitter.