Singer Bieber appearance causes near-riot

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y., Nov. 21 (UPI) -- An appearance by Justin Bieber at a New York mall resulted in a near-riot by the Canadian singer's young fans and the arrest of a record label executive.

James Roppo, a 44-year-old Island Def Jam Records senior vice president of sales, was arrested Friday after he allegedly urged more than 3,000 Bieber fans to come to the Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City despite police having just dispersed the hyperactive young teen fans, the New York Daily News reported Saturday.

Authorities said Roppo allegedly sent out online messages urging more fans to show up for the Bieber autograph session.

The record executive could face charges of reckless endangerment, criminal nuisance, obstruction of governmental administration and endangering the welfare of children.

The appearance by Bieber, 15, was to promote his new album "My World." Aimee Macchi, 13, told the Daily News a stampede ensued after scores of fans arrived.

"People started screaming 'Justin' and they ran forward and the ropes collapsed," Macchi said.

"Everyone was pushing, there was no room to breathe. I was literally on the floor."