Bradenton Police Disperse Large Teen Gathering at Riverwalk After Safety Concerns
Bradenton police dispersed a large gathering of teenagers at the Riverwalk on Saturday night after hundreds of young people assembled in what authorities described as a planned “teen takeover.”
According to the Bradenton Police Department, officers received advance information about the gathering and increased staffing and patrols before the event began. Police estimated that between 250 and 300 teenagers gathered along the Riverwalk during the evening.
As the crowd grew, officers temporarily closed Rossi Park and the Skate Park while working to disperse those in attendance. Police said some members of the group crossed busy roadways and attempted to gather near nearby gas stations and other businesses, creating potential safety hazards.
The Bradenton Police Department was assisted by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in preventing the crowd from entering or overwhelming local businesses.
Authorities said the gathering ended without any serious incidents or major crimes being reported. However, officials noted that the size and movement of the crowd created safety concerns for both those attending and the public.
Following the incident, the police department encouraged parents to know where their teenagers are, who they are spending time with and to discuss the importance of making responsible decisions to help prevent injuries or other dangerous situations.