As HCSO prepares to respond to a planned takeover in Brandon, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd also says parents could be held accountable for their kids’ conduct.
TAMPA, Fla. — Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, sheriffs throughout the Tampa Bay area are issuing warnings to kids and parents about the consequences of the so-called “teen takeover” trend.
Nearly two weeks ago, 22 people were arrested in a teen takeover event at Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa. Officers said a crowd started fighting and caused major disturbances in and around the park. They also seized two guns and a vehicle during the incident.
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Additionally, 20 people were arrested during two separate teen takeovers in Brandon during spring break earlier this year.
Now, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says it is aware of another one planned in Brandon over the weekend, and because of this, there will be an increased law enforcement presence in the area.
“There is no scenario where this ends well for you. Lawlessness will never be tolerated here,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “Think before you act.”
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd noted there are laws that would not only hold kids accountable, but would also hold parents accountable for their children’s conduct, including enforcement of juvenile curfews.
“If you don’t hold them accountable personally — make sure they’re home when they need to be — then we’re gonna come lock you up too, or charge you civilly depending on which laws we can play in,” Judd warned.
“Summer’s coming, and we want the kids to have a good time and fun time,” he added. “We don’t want them to start next year with a criminal arrest record.”