Law enforcement agencies in south Mississippi say they are increasing patrols after social media posts circulated online promoting a possible “teen takeover” event this weekend at Turtle Creek Mall.A flyer shared on social media encourages teenagers to gather at the mall Saturday.The Hattiesburg Police Department and the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office said they are aware of the posts and plan to have an increased presence in the area.Authorities have not announced any confirmed threats or illegal activity connected to the event, but officials say they are monitoring the situation closely.The concern comes after similar “teen takeover” gatherings across the country have led to fights, large crowds, property damage and arrests.Video from a recent incident in Milwaukee showed chaotic scenes involving large groups of teenagers gathering at a shopping center earlier this month.16 WAPT News reached out to local law enforcement agencies in the Jackson metro to ask whether they had heard of any similar events being planned locally. So far, agencies said they have not received any information about planned gatherings in the area.Officials are urging parents to be aware of their children’s plans and reminding the public that law enforcement will have a visible presence around Turtle Creek Mall this weekend.
Law enforcement agencies in south Mississippi say they are increasing patrols after social media posts circulated online promoting a possible “teen takeover” event this weekend at Turtle Creek Mall.
A flyer shared on social media encourages teenagers to gather at the mall Saturday.
The Hattiesburg Police Department and the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office said they are aware of the posts and plan to have an increased presence in the area.
Authorities have not announced any confirmed threats or illegal activity connected to the event, but officials say they are monitoring the situation closely.
The concern comes after similar “teen takeover” gatherings across the country have led to fights, large crowds, property damage and arrests.
Video from a recent incident in Milwaukee showed chaotic scenes involving large groups of teenagers gathering at a shopping center earlier this month.
16 WAPT News reached out to local law enforcement agencies in the Jackson metro to ask whether they had heard of any similar events being planned locally. So far, agencies said they have not received any information about planned gatherings in the area.
Officials are urging parents to be aware of their children’s plans and reminding the public that law enforcement will have a visible presence around Turtle Creek Mall this weekend.
