For several weeks, Northeast Florida and Duval County have experienced “teen takeovers” — large gatherings of juveniles at public locations organized through social media. These events have led to fights, vandalism, underage drinking, and drug use.
On
July 26, District One bike officers at Friendship Fountain intervened in several fights and prevented a possible shooting. Officers saw a suspect reaching into his backpack toward the crowd. He ran away but officers caught him after a short chase. Inside his backpack, officers found a pistol and marijuana. He was arrested for armed possession.
On
July 27, members of our community made JSO aware of social media posts advertising unpermitted and unauthorized events including a “Fight Fest” planned for August 2. Throughout the week, officers monitored plans closely and coordinated teams. Sheriff Waters and Strategic Communications
shared warnings that JSO would enforce the laws.
On
August 2, task force officers tracked groups to multiple locations, including apartment complexes and a westside neighborhood, where they found teens trespassing, drinking alcohol, and using marijuana. This led to several traffic stops and arrests. One group of officers observed a juvenile passing two guns to people in another vehicle. Officers arrested him and found drugs in his backpack.
Operation Results:
- Misdemeanor Arrests: 2
- Felony Arrests: 7
- Notices to Appear: 1
- Guns Recovered: 6
- Marijuana Seized: 90 grams
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor and disrupt illegal activity associated with these gatherings to make sure everyone in the city is safe.
Thank you to the public, for sharing information and concerns about this event with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. To submit tips, citizens are urged to call 904.630.0500 or email
JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org.
To view the post on JSO's Facebook page, please
click here.
To view the post on JSO's Instagram page, please
click here.
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