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Eight teenagers are now facing criminal charges following a massive disturbance in the Chicago Loop.
The chaos unfolded Wednesday night as hundreds of youths packed the sidewalks near State and Randolph.
Chicago Police confirmed the arrests after officers spent hours attempting to disperse the unruly crowds.
One person was seen being taken away on a stretcher as the situation spiraled out of control.
Other teenagers were led away in handcuffs while police struggled to clear the public walkways.
A 16-year-old boy now faces three felony counts of aggravated assault of a peace officer.
The same juvenile was also charged with reckless conduct and riding a bicycle on the sidewalk.
Seven other juveniles, ranging in age from 13 to 16, were charged with misdemeanor reckless conduct.
Among those arrested was a 15-year-old boy found to have an active outstanding warrant.
The Chicago Police Department also issued 24 separate curfew violations during the operation.
Community organizer Dr. Sandie Norman witnessed the arrests firsthand as children were handcuffed.
Norman reported that many youths were unable to calm down even as police interventions began.
She expressed frustration over the lack of parental presence during the dangerous gathering.
“I’m a parent. Where are the parents at?” Norman asked after the night of unrest.
The organizer even resorted to putting children in her own car to drive them home safely.
Many of the teenagers downtown reportedly did not have enough bus fare to leave the area.
Alderman Brian Hopkins stated that an estimated 300 teens were involved at the height of the event.
Hopkins credited the 10 p.m. curfew for preventing the situation from escalating into a tragedy.
“It’s definitive proof that curfews can work to prevent these activities,” Hopkins said.
The Alderman noted that, unlike previous gatherings, no shots were fired and no lives were lost.
The community remains on edge following the memory of 14-year-old Armani Floyd.
Floyd was shot and killed during a similar downtown gathering following a tree-lighting ceremony.
Police officials are continuing to monitor the Loop as spring break activities continue this week.
