Chicago Police Boost Mag Mile Presence
CHICAGO (CBS) – Chicago police officers were out in force Friday night, nearly a week after youths caused disturbances near and along the Magnificent Mile.
CBS 2's Mike Parker reports.
Ald. Brenan Reilly promised people would be "tripping over" police at Chicago's premier retail district. And sure enough, the area was flooded by police Friday night.
They were on foot, in vehicles and even on horseback – trying to keep a lid on potential trouble. They don't want a repeat of what happened last Saturday night, when bands of young people roamed the sidewalks, fighting and harassing tourists and locals.
The so-called "youth mobs" have become a problem in high-profile areas over the last couple of summers.
"It's kind of getting outrageous – kids coming out, fighting, big groups. To me, it's just too much," one pedestrian told Parker.
The flood of officers was made possible in part by canceling days off this weekend for all 18th District tactical gang officers.
Last weekend, nearly 30 people — mostly juveniles — were arrested in connection with the disturbances in the Gold Coast. Many were charged with misdemeanor reckless conduct. Police characterized the disturbances as a "mob action."
