12 Arrested After Youth 'Flash Mobs' Erupt On Michigan Avenue
(STMW) -- One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
The incident around Michigan Avenue was a "minor disturbance" and those arrested were taken into custody for obstructing traffic and being reckless, police News Affairs Sergeant Antoinette Ursitti said.
Officers had responded to reports of between 40 and 60 teens running around in "flash mobs" near the Water Tower, Oak Street Beach, the intersection of Dearborn Street and Delaware Place, and Clark Street and Delaware Place, another police source said.
No fights broke out, and no one was injured, authorities said.
The disturbance occurred hours after Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation imposing potentially stiffer prison terms for people who organize violent events via social media.
The Mag Mile and Ford City Mall have been recent sites of violent "flash mob" activity.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
