TAMPA Fla. (WWSB) – Tampa Police Department (TPD) arrested 22 people ranging in age from 12 to 21 following a large “teen takeover” gathering Friday night at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in Tampa.
Police said the crowd caused major disruptions in and around the park on May 8, including fights, disorderly behavior and other public safety concerns.
Officers were deployed to the area to break up the gathering and restore order, according to TPD.
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The arrests included charges such as affray, possession of narcotics, resisting an officer without violence and unlawful possession of a weapon. Officers also recovered two firearms and seized one vehicle connected to the disturbance.
In a statement, Tampa police said the growing “takeover” trend has become a concern for communities nationwide as summer approaches.
“Locally, we remain committed to supporting long-standing summer safety initiatives designed to keep young people engaged, connected, and safe,” the department said.
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