Three Boys Robbed at River Park Mall Raises Safety Concerns
On Jan. 7, three boys ages 12 to 13 were reportedly robbed at the River Park shopping center in northeast Fresno, an incident families called traumatic and that has renewed local concerns about mall and parking lot safety. The youths reported a confrontation inside a restroom, including theft of a necklace and shoes and an alleged display of a firearm; police reports cited do not specifically mention a weapon.
Three middle-school-aged boys were victims of an apparent robbery at River Park in northeast Fresno on Jan. 7, according to accounts from the children and their families. The boys, ages 12 to 13, said they were confronted in a restroom at the shopping center. One youth told family members a necklace was grabbed from his neck, and two others said they were forced to surrender their shoes. The juveniles also reported that a suspect flashed a gun during the incident.
The Fresno Police Department has a report on the incident and officers were present at the scene, and video footage of the area was noted by witnesses, but the police documentation cited does not specifically mention a weapon. No arrests have been reported publicly in connection with the robbery as of Jan. 9.
Parents described the episode as traumatic and said it has shaken their sense of safety for children who visit River Park and other local commercial areas. Families emphasized the emotional toll on the boys, who are young and were targeted in a public, high-traffic location. The incident has raised questions among residents about supervision, youth safety, and the effectiveness of existing security measures at the mall and in surrounding parking lots.
River Park management issued a statement saying security is a priority for the center and noting cooperation with law enforcement. Fresno Police Sergeant Diana Trueba Vega urged shoppers to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid being alone in parking lots and malls after dark, framing the incident as a reminder for practical precautions while police continue their work.
The episode underscores broader policy and community considerations: how shopping centers balance open public access with proactive security, how schools and parents prepare children for risks in public spaces, and how local police allocate resources to prevent violent thefts involving juveniles. For residents, the immediate concerns are tangible: recovering stolen property, ensuring children feel safe returning to routine activities, and pressing managers and city officials for visible safety steps such as increased patrols, lighting, and camera reviews.
Fresno police encourage anyone with information or relevant video to contact investigators so that authorities can pursue leads and address community safety concerns.
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