CHICAGO — Authorities enforced an emergency curfew after hundreds of teenagers flooded city streets during Spring Break, leading to fights and multiple arrests.
Police responded Wednesday night after reports that large groups of teens had taken over a neighborhood, with some allegedly carrying tasers and bear mace. Witnesses estimated that around 400 teens were involved.
Officers moved in to disperse the crowd, arresting eight juveniles and issuing 24 curfew violations. Those taken into custody ranged in age from 13 to 16.
“It got pretty bad to the point, me and my team actually witnessed a young boy getting stomped unconscious, and I had to render aid,” said Justin Peters, a witness and member of ChiTown Crime Chasers. “We had to call an ambulance for him.”
Officials said the situation became increasingly chaotic as fights broke out among groups of teens. Alderman Brian Hopkins described the incident as “out of control.”
“When they began enforcing curfew, the teens started to leave and things began to calm down,” Hopkins said. “It shows that curfews can be effective.”
Community activist Sandie Norman said she witnessed large crowds of youth gathering throughout the area.
“I saw hundreds of young people. When I got here, things were clearly spiraling,” Norman said. “There were fights and kids everywhere.”
She added that some teens were simply looking for ways to gather and have fun during Spring Break but lacked resources or structured activities.
Teen takeovers have become an ongoing concern in the city, particularly in downtown areas. Similar incidents in recent months have involved violence, including a November case where 14-year-old Armani Floyd was killed during one of the gatherings.
Police continue to monitor the situation and urge parents and guardians to ensure teens follow curfew rules and avoid large, unsupervised gatherings.
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