Teen takeover chaos; Milwaukee police monitor gatherings
Milwaukee police monitor "teen takeovers"
Police monitored potential teen takeovers across Milwaukee on Tuesday, March 31, after prior arrests at Bayshore and Moody Park, with increased security at 3rd St. Market Hall.
MILWAUKEE - Police and business owners across Milwaukee are responding to a nationwide trend of teen takeovers after recent gatherings turned chaotic.
What we know:
In the past few days, large gatherings organized by teens and promoted on social media led to arrests at Bayshore and Moody Park.
Glendale police said at least 13 people were arrested Sunday after Bayshore was overrun. Police also arrested a teen at Moody Park after gunshots were fired during a gathering.
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On Tuesday, police monitored another possible takeover at 3rd St. Market Hall after a digital flyer circulated online.
Owner Omar Shaikh said security was increased as a precaution. Officers were stationed at entrances and certain doors were locked. Security also checked IDs for anyone appearing under 18.
Shaikh said new policies are now in place at 3rd St. Market Hall. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian, and only people 21 or older will be allowed after 8 p.m.
What they're saying:
Community intervention groups, including 414Life, were also present.
"A lot of our youth are in survival mode and having trained professionals as a mentor that identify with their struggles is key to how we shift them from being in survival mode, to more of a life," said David Sinclair, 414Life outreach director.
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The Milwaukee Police Department also monitored possible gatherings at Districts 2, 3, 4 and 5 after another social media post circulated. Police said things remained quiet in those areas Tuesday night.
Community advocates say providing alternatives is key to preventing violence.
"For the youth that are participating in some of this violence in our community, I think that's a call for help," said Deputy Kristine Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office. "I think it's definitely something all of us as community partners need to come together."
13 arrested at Bayshore; Glendale police cite disorderly conduct
Glendale police say 13 people were arrested Sunday evening, March 29, at Bayshore after an unauthorized gathering, as management increased security and plans to continue its parental guidance policy.
The Source: FOX6 News talked with officials from the Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office and 3rd St. Market Hall.