Teens from earlier Philadelphia flash mobs in court this week

    A court hearing began today for dozens of teenagers accused of taking part in two flash mob attacks in Philadelphia. One in The Gallery Mall in Center City last month and another near city hall earlier this month.
    This trial comes just two days after another mob of teens rampaged through South Street.

    A court hearing began today for dozens of teenagers accused of taking part in two flash mob attacks in Philadelphia. One in The Gallery Mall in Center City last month and another near city hall earlier this month.

    This trial comes just two days after another mob of teens rampaged through South
    The 12 teenage boys sat quietly next to their lawyers inside Family Court as they listened to testimony from several witnesses,  including a loss prevention officer with Macy’s and three Philadelphia police officers.

    Lawyers, defendants and family members gathered around a projection screen while surveillance video from Macy’s, at 13th and Market Streets, was played for Judge Dougherty. The clip showed dozens of teens swarming the store, starting fights and destroying property inside and outside of the Gallery on February 16.

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    One defendant was identified in the video while running along Market Street.

    Philadelphia Police Officer Lewes Pagan took the stand identifying the teenagers he encountered while on duty that day, saying the force was “completely outnumbered” to handle a crowd of that magnitude.

    About 35 people were arrested for the Center City flash mobs on February 16 and March 3.

    The trial will resume tomorrow with additional testimony from witnesses of the March riot.

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