‘Unmanageable’: Crystal Police Increase Patrols After Youth Disturbances At Park
The Crystal Police Department is increasing patrols as part of a new campaign against “disorderly” and “unmanageable” youth gatherings at one of the city’s public parks.
According to a social media post, Crystal police spent three days in a row dispersing 75 to 150 young folks from Becker Park, located at 5530 Douglas Dr N.
“All three days, these groups quickly became disorderly and dangerous to each other and the families enjoying the park,” police said. “Numerous fights broke out, juveniles were dangerously using Orbeez guns (many which looked like real firearms), pepper spray was used, and at least one taser-type device was located.”
Most of the youth involved in the gatherings are not Crystal residents and traveled to the park by ride-share, according to police.
Each gathering began in the late afternoon.
“Officers quickly determined these groups were unmanageable and creating an unsafe situation for all at the park,” police said. “For everyone’s safety and to avoid further escalation, the decision was made to clear the park of these groups. In addition because of the sheer magnitude of the group on Sunday, March 29, the decision was made to close the park for everyone’s safety.”
As Crystal police and officers from neighboring agencies dispersed the crowds, they began to visit local businesses.
“Each day, officers spent the next few hours further dispersing and dissipating these groups from businesses as they gathered,” police said. “Numerous juvenile arrests were made over these three days for charges including disorderly conduct, trespassing, and theft and additional juveniles were trespassed from the park for two years.”
Police say they’re taking extra steps to curb these gatherings.
New tactics include “extra dedicated patrols occurring within the park, large groups of juveniles arriving at the park by ride-share being turned away prior to exiting their vehicles or sent from the park upon their arrival, officers taking enforcement action up to and including arrest for all illegal activities, and trespassing those exhibiting disorderly behavior in the park after they’ve been identified,” police said. “In addition, we will take enforcement actions against parents or other adults who allow juvenile participation in these activities.”
These are not isolated incidents. In recent years, police in several cities have dispersed large youth crowds from their parks.
