In response to a rise in teen violence, police chiefs across the Valley, including Queen Creek and Surprise, are implementing measures to curb large teen gatherings that have been turning reckless or violent. Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice and Surprise Police Chief Evan Becher announced plans to increase patrols during weekends and evenings in areas frequented by teenagers.

Community Concerns

Chief Brice highlighted the dangers posed by large groups of teenagers gathering on e-bikes, which have led to dangerous crashes and fights. While e-bikes provide a healthy alternative to screen time, their ease of use has facilitated quick and large gatherings, often organized through social media.

These gatherings have sometimes escalated into violence, with some parties ending in gun-related incidents. Surprise Police are currently investigating a group-style assault from last April, where a 15-year-old boy was attacked at an unsupervised party. Chief Becher emphasized the commitment of his department to conduct thorough investigations and hold those responsible accountable.

Legal Implications

Preston’s Law, which makes it a class 4 felony when three or more people assault someone, could apply to such cases. Since its enactment last September, approximately 63 cases have been charged under this law, with more than half involving juveniles, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell expressed concern over the impact of such violent acts on the futures of young people, urging that this behavior should not be accepted as the norm.

Parental Involvement

Both police chiefs and the county attorney are calling on parents to take an active role in monitoring their children’s social media activity and to be aware of their whereabouts and companions. This community-focused approach aims to prevent incidents before they occur and ensure the safety of all young residents.

Original reporting: 12News / KPNX (Phoenix) — read the source article.