Hundreds of teenagers gathered at an Aurora King Soopers on Sunday, causing a public safety issue and prompting police response.

Aurora Police Department officers responded to the King Soopers, at 655 Peoria St., just after 1:30 p.m. Sunday as about 500 teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 gathered in the store.

The gathering appears to have been organized on social media around an unpermitted sporting event, according to an APD news release Monday.

It started as a social gathering and quickly became “a significant public safety issue as the crowd grew,” the release said.

Groups of teenagers at the Hoffman Heights Shopping Center broke away from the main group and went into nearby businesses, including a restaurant and grocery store, and some vandalized property and stole merchandise.

APD officers declared the gathering an “unlawful assembly” and ordered the teenagers to disperse.

More than 70 police officers responded and were on scene for several hours, according to the release, adding that the response redirected many officers who otherwise would have been available to respond to emergency calls.

Social media videos show teenagers running through the aisles of the King Soopers, lifting a display table and knocking merchandise off the shelves.

“This crossed the line from a gathering of young people into a police matter because of the behavior and criminal conduct of some of those involved,” APD Chief Todd Chamberlain said in the release. “We will not tolerate groups taking over roadways, disrupting businesses, damaging property or stealing under the belief that being part of a large crowd provides anonymity. It does not.”

Chamberlain also urged parents and guardians to know where their children are, who they are with and what they are being invited to on social media.

APD investigators are reviewing evidence, including video footage, to identify those involved.

A King Soopers spokesperson said they are “extremely disappointed” by the group’s actions and are grateful for the quick police response.

“The safety of our associates and customers is a priority, and we take this matter seriously,” the spokesperson said, adding that they are cooperating fully in the investigation. “We also want to recognize our store associates who were present during this unwelcome activity; we are genuinely thankful for their composure, patience, and support of each other and our customers.”

The investigation is ongoing and any businesses or people who have video or information are asked to contact Denver Metro Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-7876.