Philadelphia police say several people were arrested and multiple citations were issued after a teen takeover gripped Center City, marking a second consecutive night of chaos in the area.
Sunday’s Chaos at Dilworth Park
Jimmy Freeman, of Logan, told Action News he witnessed the entire situation on Sunday and captured it on his Meta glasses. Freeman said hundreds of teenagers descended on the area around Dilworth Park while the Made in Philadelphia Summer Market was wrapping up.
“All the vendors were out. Tents were everywhere. They were just breaking up. And as they were breaking up the tents and the stuff, all this chaos started happening,” Freeman said. “It was just wild. You would have to be here to experience it.”
Video Freeman shared shows police responding to crowds as fights broke out. One clip also captures officers attending to a person who fell to the ground.
Arrests and Citations
According to Philadelphia police, the following actions were taken on Sunday:
- One arrest for having a firearm
- One arrest for robbery
- One arrest for disorderly conduct
- Seven citations issued for disorderly conduct
Police say they are using videos circulating on social media as part of their investigation.
Witness Accounts
Jonathan Dunleavy, of Queen Village, said he was heading to his girlfriend’s home when he came across the commotion.
“We had flash mobs when I was this age. Never like this. Never in Center City,” Dunleavy said.
Dunleavy said he heard a gunshot during the chaos.
“I heard, ‘Yo, he’s got a gun!’ So I stopped and turned and heard pop pop,” he explained.
Police say after the gunshot rang out, they spotted a young man putting something into a backpack. A foot chase followed, and officers recovered a handgun loaded with 37 rounds when they caught up to him.
Monday’s Increased Patrols
Philadelphia police boosted their presence around City Hall and other parts of Center City on Monday in response to Sunday’s events. Despite the added patrols, groups of teenagers continued to fill the area. Action News witnessed several arrests and saw an officer walking away from one scuffle with a bloodied face.
Action News has reached out to Philadelphia police for more information about Monday’s arrests. They have also reached out to Mayor Cherelle Parker’s office for comment and are waiting to hear back.