A Google map of the area where two large street disturbances have erupted this week. |
For the second time this week, 19th district police were called to quell a large street disturbance in Uptown last night.
At least thirteen people were taken into custody after police broke up a huge “party” that spilled into the street and out the back of a “known gang building” near Truman College.
Supposed “partiers” flooded into the streets and a nearby Target parking lot. Arriving officers repeatedly warned each other to use caution after seeing several people running from the party while holding their sides, possibly to secure firearms as they ran.
Last night’s incident erupted just two blocks from the scene of another large “party” dispersal on Monday night. Video of Monday’s incident has received widespread local news coverage.
While the police department claimed that no arrests were made Monday, the same cannot be said about last night’s dust up.
The tick-tock:
11:18PM – Report of “30 to 40 teens” drinking on the street and behind a “known gang building” in the 4400 block of Clifton.
11:22PM – Units report “a bunch” of people fleeing across a fence into the Target parking lot. Some are holding their sides.
11:23PM – 15 to 20 have jumped into the Target lot. Another 30 remain in the back yard.
11:27PM – The building area has been cleared out, but there’s still “50 to 60 walking up and down” around Sunnyside and Racine. Have more cars cruise through.
11:31PM – “Grab the one with a rag on his head!”
11:32PM – Foot pursuit, eastbound on Sunnyside. “Use caution.”
11:33PM – Pursuit target captured near Clinton and Montrose.
11:38PM – Area North Gang Unit: We dispersed gang members earlier. Arresting one now for returning.
11:39PM – Large crowd of young men in the street, 4500 block of Malden. “We’re pushing them down Sunnyside.”
11:42PM – Tactical team taking two arrestees to the station.
11:51PM – Paddy wagon taking seven arrestees to the station.
11:52PM – Another tactical team taking three arrestees to station.
Uptown Alderman James Cappleman, an expert in treating symptoms but not diseases, said Monday’s mayhem came after, “a mom had rented a room at Chase Park for her child’s 15th birthday with around 50 kids in attendance.”
The solution? “I’ve been told that Chase Park will now limit room rentals for birthday parties to children 10 and under to prevent this type of thing from happening again in the future.”
Because teenagers wouldn’t possibly attend such birthday parties.
Cappleman is the same alderman who suggested that safety issues at Montrose Beach—like, say, rioting—might be prevented by getting rid of parking spots.
Jesus. And you thought our alderman could be kooky.