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Police Use Pepper Spray at Long Island Mall During Swatch Watch Release
Hundreds of people gathered at Roosevelt Field Mall in East Garden City on May 16, 2026, for a limited-edition Swatch watch. A Nassau County police officer used pepper spray after the crowd pushed past officers and refused orders.
May 17, 12:07 PM·1m read1 source
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A Nassau County police officer used pepper spray at Roosevelt Field Mall in East Garden City after hundreds of people gathered for a limited-edition Swatch watch release. The Nassau County Police Department responded after the crowd formed outside the store. Officers said several people tried to push past them and refused lawful orders, creating a dangerous situation.
Video shows the officer being pushed by the crowd before using pepper spray. People in the group stepped back and covered their faces after the spray was deployed. Four people were arrested after the incident, including one on a second-degree assault charge. The Nassau County Police Department declined to comment on the video.
Swatch closed nineteen stores on Sunday, citing public safety considerations. The Roosevelt Field Mall location was one of the affected stores. The limited-edition "Royal Pop" watch is a collaboration between Swatch and Audemars Piguet priced above $400.
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