CHICAGO (WLS) — There was a stark warning Saturday night along Chicago’s lakefront for the potential of a so-called “teen takeover” this weekend.
It came after recent trends in the downtown area turned violent and erupted in gunfire.
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“Through posts on social media, the Chicago Police Department has been made aware of a potential gathering at one of Chicago’s beaches this weekend,” CPD said, in a statement.
More police officers were on patrol at 31st Street Beach on the Near South Side to stop a teen takeover that was planned for Saturday.
While there were many officers here at the beach as a deterrence to any potential violence, there were also people out giving opportunities to the youth.
As the waves from Lake Michigan caressed the sandy shores of a somewhat empty yet peaceful lakefront, there was a presence of Chicago police and violence interrupters with the group Acclivus, Inc.
“We heard that it was a trend going on, today, that a lot of kids were going to be coming up here,” said William Edwards with Acclivus.
Their efforts to quell a potential teen takeover came after reports of one being set for 3 pm. at 31st Street Beach, but it never materialized.
“So, if we can intervene, catch them while they are arguing or whatever, calm them down, and mediate the situation, it won’t be room for violence,” Edwards said.
Over the last few weeks, Chicago aldermen have erupted into debates at City Hall over how to get a handle of these disruptive, unsupervised gatherings, which in some cases in past few months have turned violent in the downtown area.
READ MORE | Chicago police use new tactics in Streeterville to prevent violence during ‘teen takeovers’
As the beach season nears, efforts are turning to the lakefront as police are urging parents of Chicago Public Schools students to step in. The Chicago Police Department told CPS families in a letter that officers will focus on de-escalation, but curfews will be enforced and, if necessary, arrests may be made.
So, to keep that from happening, groups like Acclivus are hoping teens will dive into job opportunities this summer instead.
“These right here are the career resource fair that we’re hosting at… 8650 S. Cottage Grove, May 12,” said Cornell Hopkins with Acclivus. “And, we have made a difference and are going to with some of the young individuals that do come up here. They’re from the community. We’re from the community.”
Police also reminded families that Chicago’s curfew hours are 10 p.m. for minors 12 and older and 8:30 p.m. for minors younger than 12, except on Fridays and Saturdays, when the curfew is 9 p.m. Curfew hours remain in effect until 6 a.m. the following day.
Chicago beaches are set to officially open May 23.
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