Three people have been charged after a fight inside the food court at CF Masonville Place Friday night that was captured on video and widely shared on social media. London Police Service say officers were called to the north-end shopping mall around 8 p.m. March 27, after receiving reports of a disturbance. Police say when officers arrived, they learned a male suspect had pushed a female victim to the ground and struck her in the face. Two bystanders attempted to intervene, according to investigators. Police allege the suspect threatened one person and assaulted another. Investigators say a second suspect then kicked one of the bystanders, while a third person allegedly shoved one of the victims during a separate part of the altercation. Police say the accused and the victims were not known to each other. One person suffered minor injuries. Two others were not physically injured. Three individuals have since been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. Video circulating online shows part of the confrontation unfolding in the food court as several people exchange blows while shoppers look on. CTV News contacted Cadillac Fairview (CF), which operates the mall, for comment about safety at the shopping centre. The company declined an interview request. In a statement, the mall’s General Manager, Sandra Lorentiu said Cadillac Fairview is “committed to community safety and is engaged in discussions with local police departments and government partners to find effective ways of working together.” Police say they have partnered with Cadillac Fairview to establish a storefront Community Engagement Centre inside CF Masonville Place aimed at creating a more visible and accessible police presence in one of the city’s busiest public spaces. Full statements “We can confirm that an incident occurred in the food court area of the shopping centre on the evening of Friday, March 27. London Police Service tended to the scene immediately. “The safety and security of our guests and personnel remain our highest priority and we are fully cooperating with LPS as they conduct their ongoing investigation. “Given this is now part of an ongoing investigation, we defer all questions to the LPS. Thank you for your understanding. Cadillac Fairview is committed to community safety and is engaged in discussions with local police departments and government partners to find effective ways to work together.” – Sandra Lorentiu, general manager of retail operations with CF Masonville Place “The London Police Service is pleased to partner with Cadillac Fairview Masonville Place to establish a storefront Community Engagement Centre within the mall. “This space will create a more visible and accessible police presence for residents in one of the city’s most frequented community locations. Community Services officers will be based at the centre and will support a range of community-based programming, relationship building, and enhanced access to police services, including reporting options for hate-motivated incidents and other concerns. “This initiative is another example of Chief Truong’s priorities to modernize service delivery and ensure the London Police Service is present, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the community we serve. This work is being supported through the Ontario government’s Community Safety and Policing Grant. “Additional details will be shared as the project moves closer to launch.” – Sgt. Sandasha Bough, corporate communications and media relations with LPS
