Millburn police defend their response to emergency call at Short Hills Mall

Prosecutors are taking a closer look at what happened after a video posted on TikTok, that has since gone viral, showing a confrontation between two women inside the Victoria’s Secret store at Short Hills Mall.

News 12 Staff

Jul 14, 2021, 10:36 AM

Updated 1,108 days ago

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Prosecutors are taking a closer look at what happened after a video posted on TikTok, that has since gone viral, showing a confrontation between two women inside the Victoria’s Secret store at Short Hills Mall.
It's unclear what happened in the moments leading up to when the clip starts, but it shows a white woman lunging and swatting at a Black woman who was recording her, accusing her of threatening her, and then throwing a tantrum inside of the store.
The woman behind the camera is Ijeoma Ukenta, who said in the video that she's filming for video evidence to protect herself.
Seconds later, the woman who charged at her falls to the floor and repeatedly yells and screams. Several minutes go by before security and police arrive.
Ukenta says the store manager said he would escort her to her car and that it's the other woman who should leave.
The Millburn Police Department did not escort her out, saying they had no proof an arrestable offense or crime had been committed.
In a statement, Victoria’s Secret says, “The video taken in our store is unsettling and we have initiated a full investigation. Our associates followed protocols and immediately called our Emergency Operations Center -- as well as mall security for support during the altercation between our customers."
Ukenta says since posting the videos, TikTok has deleted two of her accounts. She has since started a GoFundMe to take legal action.
Neither woman could be reached for comment. Police say they expect to have the video footage from the store for its investigation. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is also handling this case. So far, no charges have been filed.


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