Washington D.C. officials have enacted an emergency juvenile curfew. This action follows a night of Halloween chaos involving hundreds of youths. The unrest occurred in the Navy Yard neighborhood on Friday. Police and National Guard members confronted the unruly crowds. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the new measure Saturday.
Furthermore, the police department responded to a massive gathering. Several hundred juveniles converged on a park area. The group initially appeared peaceful according to authorities. The situation then escalated dramatically as evening progressed. Many youths began engaging in fights and disrupting traffic.
Moreover, the crowd repeatedly ignored police instructions. Officers ordered them to remain on the sidewalks. Additional law enforcement partners then responded to the area. Metro Transit Police and U.S. Capitol Police provided assistance. National Guard members and a Federal Task Force also helped.
Consequently, police made several arrests during the incident. Five individuals were ultimately taken into custody. Four of those arrested were juveniles. Charges include weapon possession and resisting arrest. One police sergeant sustained minor injuries during the confrontation. He was knocked to the ground while restoring order.
Additionally, video footage captured part of the chaotic scene. The footage appears to show National Guard members chasing youths. This occurred in the park near the Navy Yard Metro Station. Police finally dispersed the large crowd by 11:00 p.m. A substantial police presence remained throughout the night.
In response, Mayor Bowser declared the immediate juvenile curfew. All persons under eighteen must now be indoors. The curfew is effective from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. This order will extend through the upcoming Tuesday. The police chief can also establish special earlier curfew zones.
Chief Pamela Smith called the displayed behavior unacceptable. She promised an increased police presence for subsequent nights. The juvenile curfew aims to prevent further disorder. This incident follows several weeks of problematic juvenile behavior. The new juvenile curfew is a direct official response.
