Police defend use of force in Berks County mall brawl

The incident occurred around 9:00 p.m. at the Berkshire Mall.

Officers were investigating the report of a costume jewelry theft from the store Razzle Dazzle when 20-year-old Jenssy Santana, from Laureldale, interfered, officials say.

According to police, Santana's girlfriend and sister were involved in the investigation.

Cell phone video captured Santana, along with police and mall security fighting in the mall corridor, surrounded by dozens of shoppers.

The video shows an officer kicking the suspect in the lower stomach and then friends rushing police and trying to push the officers away.

Wyomissing police say the force was justified.

Santana is facing charges of resisting arrest, aggravated assault and disorderly conduct.

The suspects say they plan to fight the charges until their names are cleared.

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