PITTSBURGH \u2014 Market Square has been a problem area over the last few years, with dozens of kids showing up to fight. Police are warning teenagers that they have no tolerance for violence as the NFL Draft rolls in.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes, with large amounts of kids when they get together, they start getting disruptive and unruly behavior. That is not wanted at this time. It\u2019s not very wanted in any time,\u201d Public Safety Director Sheldon Williams told Channel 11. <\/p>\n
Pittsburgh\u2019s Public Safety Director, Police Chief and the Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent are working together to ensure young people planning to attend the NFL Draft events stay safe, avoid getting into trouble, and don\u2019t get caught up in violence. <\/p>\n
PPS students will be learning remotely on Thursday and Friday due to traffic, security and logistical issues with the draft. <\/p>\n
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Pittsburgh Public Schools will hold asynchronous classes during NFL Draft<\/a><\/p>\n The message to teens comes after recent violence in Downtown, specifically in Market Square. <\/p>\n Last month, we told you about dozens of kids fighting with each other and spraying each other with pepper spray.<\/a> <\/p>\n PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Public safety director responds to large fight among juveniles in Downtown Pittsburgh<\/a><\/p>\n Days later, a planned \u201cDowntown teen takeover\u201d circulated online,<\/a> causing PPS to urge parents to tell their kids not to attend. <\/p>\n PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Pittsburgh Public Schools issues plea to parents about planned \u2018Downtown takeover\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n On Monday, police officials encouraged parents to join their kids downtown. <\/p>\n \u201cParents, guardians, caretakers, come alongside the youth and enjoy this time with them. It\u2019s an opportunity for them to enjoy this space so that they\u2019re not in places where they shouldn\u2019t be engaged in activity that\u2019s unwanted,\u201d Williams said. <\/p>\n Williams said there will be a very large increase in police presence in the area.<\/p>\n Click here for more NFL Draft coverage.<\/a><\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n