Atlanta authorities are putting parents on notice that they may be held criminally responsible for the growing wave of teen takeovers disrupting the citys streets.
At a Thursday press conference, Atlanta Police Deputy Chief Jason Smith made clear that law enforcement is prepared to pursue every legal option to restore order, including going after negligent parents, according to The Post Millennial. When asked about potential charges for parents, Smith stated, "In certain circumstances there are avenues that we can take and we plan on exploring every avenue involved in these takeovers, and yes, in some cases it would involve charging parents."
Smith said that authorities "understand there are plans for takeovers this weekend." He emphasized that these events "are not going to happen," adding that officers are fully prepared to confront anyone who attempts to participate.
These takeovers need to stop. They need to come to an end. Theyre causing chaos and violence and we want the public to be safe." He explained that the teen-led disruptions began in December, with youths "taking over streets, disrupting the flow of traffic. Property was destroyed. Property was damaged. There was fighting. There was assaults. Shots fired were in some cases."
The deputy chief detailed the most recent incident on February 28 along the Atlanta Beltline, where 13 individuals aged 13 to 20 were arrested. Police recovered 11 firearms and documented four curfew violations, with charges including aggravated assault, theft by receiving stolen property, reckless conduct, terroristic threats, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Smith underscored that Atlantas curfew for minors runs from 11 pm to 6 am Sunday through Thursday, and midnight to 6 am on Fridays and Saturdays. From his perspective, enforcing that curfew is not merely a bureaucratic requirement but a basic parental duty that too many families are neglecting.
Issuing a direct warning to parents, Smith said, "For the parents, you need to watch your kids. You need to understand what theyre doing. You need to know what theyre doing every second of the day. Do not let your child lose a potential future by doing something that doesnt make sense at all." He continued, "Dont let them run the streets when they should be at home because of the curfew. You need to be paying attention to that. Be smart. Know where your child is, not just this weekend, but every weekend, every day."
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