Mall shuts down after thousands of fans rush record store to meet hip-hop group

Tuesday, March 19th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(CONCORD, CA) - More than 1,000 teen-agers waiting for an autograph-signing session with the teen R&B band B2K swarmed a record store, prompting authorities to briefly shut down the shopping mall.

Kimeri Opacic, a Sun Valley Mall spokeswoman, said the mall expected a couple hundred fans for the 6 p.m. signing at Sam Goody on Monday. But 1,500 teen-agers and parents arrived, some lining up hours in advance.

``People got tired of waiting and wanted to make sure they got an autograph, so they rushed the store,'' Opacic said.

Authorities immediately shut down the signing and evacuated the store. No damage was done and the mall reopened about 8 p.m.

No one was hurt, but two girls were treated at the scene for hyperventilation, Opacic said.

``It was a horrifying experience,'' said Concord resident Mary Kindrick, who brought her teen-age daughter and three friends to the mall for autographs. ``There were too many kids. They were crammed in there like sardines. They were just not prepared for them.''

Fights had broken out by the time mall officials called police shortly before 7 p.m., Concord Police Lt. Stuart Roloson said. No weapons were found and no arrests were made, he said.

There were no arrests or injuries because the crowd was ``overwhelmingly cooperative,'' said Police Lt. Keith Whitaker. ``It was a relief.''

The manager of the store where the event took place refused comment late Monday.

B2K is currently promoting its self-titled debut album.