‘Aggressive pillow fight’ in Providence Place mall leads to alleged assault

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Two teenagers were arrested after what police described as an “aggressive pillow fight” inside Providence Place mall allegedly escalated into the assault of a mother and daughter.

According to police reports, the incident happened Sunday evening inside Macy’s at the mall, where a group of juveniles had reportedly been throwing pillows around in the middle of the store. Investigators said the victims told the group to stop and “be thoughtful,” but the situation quickly turned confrontational.

Authorities allege the group followed the mother and daughter into a restroom, where the confrontation became physical. Police said one of the victims suffered facial injuries and was bleeding when officers arrived.

Two 14-year-olds were eventually taken into custody and charged with simple assault, according to investigators.

Police records indicate the alleged assault was one of two separate violent incidents reported at the mall within about an hour that evening.

Providence Place has faced financial challenges in recent years after the mall was placed into receivership following issues tied to its mortgage debt and ownership structure. Despite those struggles, the downtown shopping center has remained open and operational while court-appointed oversight managed the property. The mall is now expected to be sold as part of efforts to stabilize its future and attract new investment into the prominent Providence retail destination.