Hundreds of teenagers swarmed the streets of downtown Chicago on Wednesday night.
Estimates suggest between 400 and 500 youths gathered along State Street and Michigan Avenue.
The situation quickly turned violent as groups began running amok through the heart of the city.
Chicago Police Department sources confirmed that some teenagers were armed with mace and tasers.
Witnesses reported seeing teens tasing random individuals during the height of the unrest.
The violence resulted in at least one teenager being hospitalized for injuries.
Officers on the scene struggled to contain the massive crowds as multiple fights broke out.
Several individuals were arrested as police worked to regain control of the sidewalks.
The Chicago Police Department eventually deployed Tactical Teams to the downtown area.
These specialized units were sent to disperse the groups and prevent further injury to the public.
City officials took the drastic step of imposing an emergency curfew starting at 10 p.m.
The curfew aimed to clear the streets in The Loop and surrounding neighborhoods immediately.
Local safety advocates issued an urgent plea to Chicago parents throughout the evening.
“If your child is downtown, please come get them immediately,” the warning stated.
Reports indicated that some children were being “jumped” by larger groups within the crowd.
Parents were encouraged to call or text their children right away to ensure their safety.
The chaotic scene has raised serious concerns about public safety in Chicago’s primary tourism hubs.
Investigators are currently reviewing social media video to identify those involved in the assaults.
The condition of the hospitalized teenager has not yet been released to the public.
Police remain on high alert in the downtown area to prevent a repeat of the violence tonight.
