Twenty-two young people were arrested in Tampa Friday night after trying to take over a park, according to the Tampa Police Department.
Police bodycam video of the scene shows an officer taking down a person in a gray hoodie as the crowd at Curtis Hixon Park scatters.
Everyone arrested was between the ages of 12 and 21, the TPD said in a May 9 release, and hit with charges that included affray, possession of narcotics, resisting without violence, and unlawful possession of a weapon, police said. Officers seized two firearms and one vehicle connected to the disturbance.
“This type of reckless and criminal behavior will not be tolerated in our city,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “What began as a large gathering quickly escalated into disorder and activity that placed others at risk. Parents need to know where their children are and who they are with.
“Unfortunately, the poor decisions made by these 22 individuals last night could have lasting consequences that follow them well into adulthood.”
What are teen takeovers?
Teen takeovers have become a growing issue in Florida cities. They happen when someone puts out a call on social media for people to gather in a public space. There is no organization beyond that, either with the cities or law enforcement or among the attendees themselves. Street takeovers are when large groups gather, block off roads and intersections, and watch drivers perform stunts.
While public gatherings are not harmful in and of themselves, several recent, similarly unorganized events became unruly and led to shootings, property damage, fights, and arrests. Last week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, two street takeovers led to one arrest and multiple citations after police said there were “roving” incidents through multiple areas of the city.
A few recent events in Florida included:
C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Video shows chaotic teen takeover in Florida
Reporting by C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
