CHICAGO — A large group of beachgoers spilling out of North Avenue Beach on Tuesday night prompted a significant law enforcement response, with officers from six Chicago police districts deployed to manage the scene across Old Town and Lincoln Park. Five individuals were arrested, including three juveniles, police confirmed.
The crowd, estimated at around 200 people, began moving west through the LaSalle Drive pedestrian underpass shortly before 10 p.m., many appearing to be in their teens and early 20s. As tensions rose, a CPD supervisor called in additional patrol units to assist at North Avenue and Clark Street, where two arrests were made swiftly.
Crowd Contained Near Popular Old Town Strip
Police formed strategic lines to direct the flow of pedestrians, guiding the group along North Avenue. Some individuals were seen walking in traffic lanes, trailed by patrol cars, as captured in videos shared on the Citizen app.
A portion of the crowd eventually reached the 1500 block of North Wells Street, a stretch lined with bars and restaurants. Officers managed to contain the situation without major incident, though an 18th District supervisor specifically advised against using loudspeakers or sirens to avoid disturbing local residents late at night.
Arrests Include Battery, Resisting, Alcohol Possession
Among the three juveniles arrested, two boys, aged 16 and 17, were charged with battery and resisting a peace officer. Another 17-year-old was cited for possessing alcohol on park property, according to a police spokesperson.
Two adults were also taken into custody:
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Honest Williams, 19, was charged with reckless conduct and resisting arrest
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Devon Mitchell, also 19, faces two counts of resisting and one count of reckless conduct
Curfew Policy Debate Looms Over Latest ‘Teen Trend’ Incident
This incident occurred just hours before the Chicago City Council was scheduled to deliberate a controversial “snap curfew” ordinance, which would allow the police superintendent to impose a curfew on any location with just 30 minutes’ notice.
Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward) has been pushing the measure in response to the rise in so-called “teen trend” gatherings, many of which begin at beaches or downtown plazas and spill into residential and commercial areas.
A similar youth crowd incident unfolded in the same area in May 2022, also leading to police reinforcement and local business concern.
Do You Support A ‘Snap Curfew’ In Crowded Hotspots?
Should the city be able to declare quick curfews at places like North Avenue Beach to prevent these incidents? Share your thoughts and experiences now on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — we want to hear from local residents, workers, and business owners.
