Police: 2 women charged for Scottsdale Bath & Body Works fight

The Scottsdale Police Department has issued two women citations for assault and disorderly conduct following a physical altercation at a Bath and Body Works store inside the local mall.

Police officials say there is no evidence to support claims the fight, which was shared virally on social media, was motivated from COVID-19/mask/social distancing or race.

Briana Johnson, 25, and Johlyn O’Daniel, 45, were issued misdemeanor citations and released at the scene, police officials say.

At approximately 4:50 p.m., Scottsdale Police Department officers responded to a reported disturbance inside the Bath and Body Works located inside Scottsdale Fashion Square.

When officers arrived on scene, the active disturbance had “somewhat deescalated” and the involved subjects were separated, police officials say.

Police say through a subsequent investigation, it was learned that an argument and confrontation took place between two groups of individuals waiting in line to check out.

“It appears the confrontation centered around where the individuals were in the checkout line process,” Public Information Officer Kevin Watts said in a press release. “That confrontation escalated to a physical altercation.”

According to police, store employees interceded to break up the fight and have the involved subjects leave the store. Based on evidence, it was determined probable cause existed to charge both subjects.

Mr. Watts says interviews were conducted with witnesses, involved subjects and surveillance video was reviewed by the respond SPD officers.

“Since the date of the initial incident and investigation numerous social media posts and media stories have shared cell phone video and varying reports of what took place,” Mr. Watts said. “That information was varied from reports of it being a racially motivated incident to a COVID/mask/social distance altercation. There is no evidence to support those claims.”