CHICAGO (WLS) – Chicago police responded to a large crowd on North Avenue beach on Wednesday night after an event was anonymously promoted on social media, said 43rd District Alderman Michelle Smith.
More than 400 people flooded the area around 8:30 p.m., blocking streets, boarding CTA buses and throwing bottles. CPD officers responded at about 9 p.m. on block 1600 of North LaSalle Drive, near Clark Street and North Avenue, and watched the group leave the area.
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The CPD said no injuries were reported, but 18-year-old Termain Patterson of Chicago was arrested at about 11:25 p.m. in North Clark’s 1700 block and charged with reckless behavior. He tried to “inflict bodily harm” on several people, the CPD said.
WATCH: Footage shows a large gathering in the Old Town
Neighbors watched all this from their buildings.
“The crowd was definitely a little disturbing, just because we were worried they might migrate more that way. We’ve had a burglary in our building before, “said Emma Kate Steri, who lives nearby.
Alderman Smith’s office said in a statement that about 400 people had attended an unauthorized event on North Avenue Beach. The event, promoted on social media, encouraged people to carry alcohol and drugs and that there will be a “drinking competition, boxing matches and Turk competitions”.
“Illegal events run by promoters are wrong for our city,” Smith said.
Numerous videos posted on the incident’s social media show a large group in the area around the North Side Old Town neighborhood.
“Jumping cars, racing motorcycles,” said Jonathan Swain. “Honestly, I was just waiting for the shots … It’s going to be a long, hot summer, if that’s the case.”
Smith said police had warned in advance about the incident and officers had checked for alcohol at the entrances to the beach. After police forced the crowd to disperse from the beach, Smith said people in the crowd had begun gathering at nearby gas stations and businesses. She said police had done a good job of removing the crowds. But Chris Nelson, vice president of the Old Town Triangle Association, said more communication from police would be appreciated.
“It’s a great job for them to do that. It would be helpful to let the community know that they are aware of this and that they are prepared for it. I think that’s on the way, “Nelson said.
At a meeting Thursday night, residents joined Chicago police and other city leaders to discuss what happened and efforts to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Alderman Smith praised police for the way they handled hundreds of people pouring into the streets of the Old Town.
“No one was hurt,” 43rd Ward. said Michelle Smith. “No police officer was injured. No teenager or young adult was injured. This is a successful plan.”
“There had to be a huge redistribution of resources from the police in the neighborhood,” said Old Town resident Joe Jacobatsi. “There are probably more important places for the police than having a problem on the beach.”
“My understanding is that the police found out that there was this party,” said David Montgomery, chairman of the Old Town Triangle Security Committee. “They were ready for it. I think when they scattered the people from the beach, it didn’t turn out the way they wanted.”
Alderman Smith says closing the beach in the future will not be the best idea because so many other Chicagoans will be affected.
“It’s a bad plan to build barricades,” Smith said. “Since then you put people in a position then, what should we do?”
Full statement by Alderman Smith:“Yesterday, about 400 people gathered at an unauthorized large-scale event on North Avenue Beach. The event was anonymously promoted on social media and encouraged people to bring alcohol and drugs. The advertisement for the event says it is open to all ages and will include a drinking competition, boxing matches and touring competitions. This promotional event was not allowed by the city and the park area.
“Police received a preliminary warning of the incident and placed extensive resources at every entrance to the beach, including the pedestrian bridge. This was in order to enable the police to search for alcohol and any other illegal items. Police found a significant amount of alcohol Police also prevented caravans with cars from spinning at the entrances to the beach.
“Participants in the party usually ranged from 14 to 21 years. About 400 people came to the beach, and while almost all of the liquids were removed, the group was still involved in many illegal activities, including climbing rescue towers and climbing CTA buses. This has led to situations where injuries are likely and the police are working to ensure that the well-being of all involved is protected.
“To prevent injuries, police have launched a process to direct people to leave the beach. As the group dispersed, residents watched gatherings at local gas stations and other businesses. In all cases, no one was injured and very few were arrested. The area was cleared between 11pm and midnight.
We would like to thank the Chicago Police and 18th District Commander John Hane for their handling of a situation that could have been tense.
“I urge the Department of Culture and Special Events, the Department of Business and Consumer Protection and Chicago Park to work with the Chicago Police Department to bring appropriate action against the organizers of the illegal gathering, which threatened many people.
“The 43rd Ward hosts hundreds of events each year. We do this in a way that is safe and secure for participants and residents. The swift and professional attitude of the 18th district to this sent a message that we will not tolerate disobedient or unauthorized behavior in our community. If you find out about any events like this happening in our community, please notify the Chicago Police immediately. “
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