Pittsburgh public schools have issued warnings against “teen takeover” events.
Nationally, “teen takeovers” are becoming a trend in the United States. Groups of teenagers are organizing meetups that bring chaos to cities. Law enforcement are expressing concern about the takeovers in several states.
The events can overwhelm law enforcement and cause violence.
In Chicago, teens reportedly raced up streets and ran on top of parked cars. Police have broken up fights in Tampa and enforced curfews in Washington, D.C.
Some of the takeovers have even led to arrests.
In Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh public schools have issued warnings against the “teen takeover” meetings.
Pittsburgh Public Schools left a voice message for families last week informing them of a flyer circulating on social media advertising a “downtown takeover”.
“This event is not sanctioned, not supervised, and poses a serious safety concern for our students. We urge all families to discourage their children from attending,” said the voice message.
The takeover was advertised less than a week after a large brawl occurred at Market Square. The fight resulted in seven minors cited for disorderly conduct and around 20 individuals needing to be treated for exposure to pepper spray.
Market Square has become a place where teens like to hang out, but can also invite trouble. Around 40 people were involved the night of the brawl.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police had extra patrols in the area ahead of the planned takeover event.
“We want to make sure that we have an overt presence Downtown, and we’re able to keep the peace,” said Police Chief Jason Lando in an interview ahead of the time the event was planned for.
“We want our youth to have a good time. We want them to feel welcome in our neighborhoods, but you’ve got to obey the rules,” Lando added.
Police have been urging businesses without cameras to put them up in light of the “teen takeover” events and large fights.
