40 Chicago Teens Charged for Takeover
Chicago teens took over the South Loop area Sunday night. A large group of teenagers gathered and ransacked the local stores and unfortunately, 40 of them now face multiple charges.
A group of teens ransacked the local 7-Eleven convenience store in the South Loop area. The store is located at 560 West Grenshaw Street, near the mobile gas station on Jefferson Street. This incident occurred around 8 p.m. according to authorities.
The teens proceeded to cause chaos by fighting and vandalizing the streets of Roosevelt Road and Canal Street. The trash from the night prior had been scattered across the ground.
Authorities stated that the group acted disorderly and failed to comply with multiple verbal commands. Sadly, this is the second time that groups of teens have targeted this area, according to local businesses.
Teens Caught on Video
Chi-Town Crime Chasers on social media pages show clips of teens raiding the nearby 7-Eleven store. The footage shows the severe damage and the various items that were stolen and scattered around the premises.
Moreover, a fire extinguisher had been used near the gas tanks outside the store. Another video on Snapchat shows someone attempting to withdraw money from the ATM.
More footage of teens running out of 7-Eleven with items and throwing them. Additional footage of the crowd running in multiple directions as officers directed them to leave the area.
CPD asked the stores to close due to chaos.
Police Officers Speak on Chicago Teen Takeover
Officers were encouraged to arrest teens participating in the takeover, and officers did as told. Chicago Police Supervisors advised officers to put their hands on people, if needed, and arrest anyone involved, not sit back and watch.
Moreover, the Chicago police took action and arrested teens that refused to follow curfew and initially violated laws. The police had no choice but to intervene.
Charges have been placed on the participants charged with reckless conduct, criminal trespass, and unlawful use of weapons.
The charges ranged from misdemeanors to felonies, with an 18-year-old receiving citations for resisting a police officer. A 20-year-old was also charged with reckless conduct. Two warrants were issued against him.
Chicago Activist Stopping the Takeover
Chicago police issued a warning email to businesses this past weekend about the recent takeover announcements. Concerned community members, including activists and nonprofits like Mr. Dad’s Father Club, attempted to intervene in the teen takeover to prevent further arrests.
Joseph Williams and Charles McKenzie made valiant efforts to persuade the teens to leave, though it proved to be a challenge. As they endeavored to quell the fights, they cautioned the teens about the possibility of arrests, given that the police weren’t present to merely observe.
Eventually, the crowd made their way to a 7-Eleven, where they began to loot, shattering windows and stealing merchandise. The police eventually responded, taking action by arresting the teens.
Witness’ on the Chicago Take over
In addition, a witness, Alvin Jackson, says the area was peaceful until the group of teens blocked off traffic and started breaking into stores. He added that some of the teens wanted a place to just hang out.
As time went on, more people came and fights broke out. Additionally, they threw bottles and jumped on cars.
No one reported any injuries. The vandals only destroyed the 7-Eleven.
Number of Teens Involved
Authorities believe approximately 300 to 400 individuals disembarked from the train nearby. The incident occurred at around 7:30 p.m.
Charges against the group range from misdemeanors for reckless conduct and trespassing to a felony charge for unlawful use of a weapon.
Footage of the Incident
Officers placed a POD camera in the parking lot of 7-Eleven. However, a camera had also been present on Sunday night, and the footage captured by it may result in additional arrests.
Chicago Teens Charged
Chicago teens are facing charges for the takeover in South Loop. They have charged about 30 juveniles with one count of misdemeanor, reckless conduct. Their ages range from 12 to 17.
Moreover, a 15-year-old boy is charged with:
- A felony count of unlawful use of a weapon.
- Possession of a concealed weapon.
- Citations for disorderly conduct.
- and possession of a laser sight/firearm silencer/muffler.
As well as, a 17-year-old boy is charged with a felony count of unlawful use of a weapon, machine gun/auto weapon, along with citations for having a high capacity magazine with metal piercing bullets and a curfew violation.
By Iyanna Stanton
Sources:
NBC 5 Chicago: At least 40 charged after large teen gathering in South Loop
CBS NEWS Chicago: South Loop 7-Eleven looted, 40 arrested in teen takeover
ABC Chicago: Nearly 40 teens charged after ‘disorderly’ gathering in South Loop: Chicago police
Inset image courtesy of Mike Mozart Flickr page – Creative Commons License
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Rach Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
