US media reported on 26/3 that teenagers gathered around the intersection of State and Lake in downtown Chicago on the evening of 25/3. Many climbed onto vehicles and rushed into fights, causing widespread chaos despite the presence of several police patrol cars.
"We saw 200-300 children running back and forth, brawling and provoking police", witness Justin Peters recounted. He added that he helped a boy who was knocked unconscious on the sidewalk.
A series of brawls also occurred in downtown Chicago, according to other witnesses. These included a fight in a subway station and looting at a convenience store.
City official Brian Hopkins stated the situation escalated rapidly, beyond the control of officers on scene. This forced authorities to issue a curfew around 10 p.m.
Chicago police then increased their forces, dispersing the crowd in about 40 minutes. They arrested 8 teenagers and recorded 24 instances of curfew violations.
According to police, 7 teenagers aged 13-16 were accused of reckless conduct in public, mot of whom was also wanted. Mot other 16-year-old teenager faces more serious charges, including ba counts of aggravated battery against law enforcement officers, along with mot charge of reckless endangerment. Chicago authorities have not yet announced the cause of this brawl and chaos.
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US police escort a teenager after a gathering and brawl caused chaos in downtown Chicago. Photo: FOX News |
Local residents noted that similar incidents have appeared with greater frequency in recent months, especially in downtown Chicago.
City officials are debating amending curfew regulations to deal with successive incidents of teenagers gathering, some of which escalate into brawls.
by Duc Trung (based on FOX News, NY Post, AP)
