Laws on Flash Mobs Aren't Needed, Police Chief Says

The Strongsville police department is not looking to regulate flash mobs in the wake of Aug. 20 at .

Police Chief Charles Goss said there is no need to draw up new legislation to regulate crowds.

"There are already perfectly good laws in existence," Goss said. 

Some of those were put to use Aug. 20 after several hundred teens heeded a call on  Twitter from Colson Baker, who performs as Machine Gun Kelly, to show up at Westfield SouthPark at 5 p.m.

Police charged Baker and two others with disorderly conduct after they jumped on tables in the food court and refused to get down. 

Goss said state law already prohibits riots and other unruly gatherings.

"People need to know these things are already banned," he said. "I don't think any new ordinances or statutes need to be created."

A  in the Coventry neighborhood of Cleveland Heights made headlines in June after thousands of kids gathered at an art fair. Fights broke out and 16 people were arrested, prompting local officials to impose a 6 p.m. curfew for minors in the city's business districts.

Goss said it would be "a shame" to put new restrictions on lawful gatherings, like at the mall that were done with little disruption and with management's permission.

Some Strongsville residents are concerned about copycat events staged by other performers to generate publicity. 

But Goss said unruly groups can be dealt with, as as long as police enforce existing laws.

"And we have every intention of doing that," he said.

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