KUALA LUMPUR: Seven men ran amok at Low Yat Plaza in Bukit Bintang, here, last night after their friend was nabbed for allegedly stealing a cellular phone.
The 7.50pm incident saw several workers of a phone shop there were beaten up by the group. The men also damaged many products and equipment at the store.
City police Criminal Investigation Department chief Datuk Zainuddin Ahmad said police have arrested one of the men, aged 22, for rioting, while manhunt for the rest is being conducted.
"Initial investigation revealed that the incident transpired following the arrest of a suspected thief.
"The man was nabbed by the plaza's security guard, who then handed him to police.
"A friend of the suspect was upset with his arrest, and called for the others to retaliate," he said.
He said the amount of losses was estimated to be around RM70,000.
The case is being investigated under Section 147 and 427 of the Penal Code for rioting and causing damages.
Videos and pictures of the incident went viral on Facebook and other social media platform soon after the incident took place last night.