Two officers injured, five juveniles arrested in Depot Park ‘teen takeover’
Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Two officers were injured and five juveniles were arrested during a “teen takeover” on Friday night at Depot Park.
At about 7:05 p.m. on July 3, Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officers responded to Depot Park (201 E. Depot Avenue) after a caller reported that a potential juvenile takeover had been posted on social media. The caller reported that at least one person in the park was wearing a full ski mask and carrying a backpack.
When officers arrived, they found 75-100 teenagers in the park — dancing, hanging out with friends, and eating. Officers did not find anyone wearing a mask.
During the gathering, someone lit firecrackers, causing the group to scatter, and they regrouped in the southwest portion of the park. Some physical fights broke out, and the group moved east again; they were ordered to go home and leave the park. During this time, City Parks and Recreation staff broadcast recordings over their PA system to warn visitors that the park and the overflow parking lot were closed.
More fights broke out, and several mutual combatants refused orders from officers to disengage, so OC spray was used to break up the fights; the individuals involved in the fights moved east, and additional officers responded.
At 9:12 p.m., a notice was posted on social media by GPD, asking the public to avoid the area. The post said, “This type of behavior has no place in our community parks.”
Five juveniles were arrested on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting an officer with violence, disorderly conduct, resisting an officer without violence, and affray.
Two officers were treated at a local hospital for their injuries before being released.
The Gainesville leaders have lowered their standards to a point that the teenagers know they will not be held accountable. Shame on the parents. Shame on the Commissioners and their weak parenting of this community. Be Better Guys!
Should the city enact a curfew at sundown for kids 17 and under to prevent this type of mob activity?
Don’t you mean “Be Best”?
Oh wait, nevermind, that’s something good little fake Christian women say when they want to appear upstanding and benevolent.
These trashy kids should be shown NO MERCY.
Welcome to Harvey’s town.
Who created these little brats that think they can get away with anything?
@Frustrated: They come from adults who think they can get away with anything. This is called poor parenting — and they don’t care that their children are out of control.
Scratch Depot Park from my list of “places to visit in Gainesville”.
As if we needed another reason to stay out of Gainesville. I’m thankful for the new VA facility in Ocala
It’s time to start holding the parents accountable for the actions of these little ba$tard$ this is what society becomes due to government handouts, not knowing who your father is if you allow your children to act this way and be this way let’s cut your snap benefits stop your hud housing make it hurt then they may become responsible for these ba$tard$
@G Howard Snap has nothing to do with it its alot of working parents out there now who have no control of their kids just like white folks have no control of there bad ass kids
Thanks to Social Media this isn’t going to stop any time soon, gangs are everywhere in G’ville. These young kids don’t want to work they want to sell drugs mostly pot and they are recruited at a very young age. I lived in Tower Village and seen it first hand. We don’t see the police and sheriffs deputy’s out like we used to 4-5 years ago.
For years, my girlfriend and I have watch daily, Gainesville Police cars hiding in the wood near Ward supper Market do nothing. No one at the top seems to care. Very telling.
They are like the fire department. They respond to a call then go back to hiding. The less they do the less they can get into trouble for.
They should be getting the panhandlers out of 39th & Waldo when things are slow..
These “teen takeovers” were happening all over the US.
Water cannon would clear that out real quick. But then again, knowing how the city commission works they’ll form a useless committee to come up with feel good ideas to coddle these delinquent & nothing will be done.
Typical clown apery
Gainesville’s Flock cameras will shows who the troublemakers are. The authorities will not hold them accountable while turning a blind eye to crime.. Guard yourself always
I don’t believe Flock cameras capture people’s identities, just license plates on vehicles. Besides if someone’s covering their face it might not be useful.