'Full Scale Riot' Sees Teenagers Clash In Downtown Stamford: Police

STAMFORD, CT — Nine teenagers have been arrested and charged in connection with what police are calling "a full scale riot" that occurred in downtown Stamford last week.

According to Capt. Diedrich Hohn of the Stamford Police Department, officers responded to the area of Broad and Atlantic streets on Sept. 28 around 12:45 p.m. on reports of a large brawl taking place between 30-40 people.

When officers arrived, Hohn said, the group dispersed. But videos of the brawl were quickly posted around social media.

"We used the videos that were posted to identify the people who were involved. We made arrests from there on in," said Hohn, who leads the SPD's youth division.

Nine teens, between the ages of 14-17, were charged with first-degree rioting, second-degree assault and breach of peace. They were issued summonses and assigned court dates.

Hohn said roughly 30-40 teens were involved in the fight which disrupted traffic, blocked pedestrian walkways and businesses.

One person suffered a broken finger, and another sustained a broken foot. Others had bumps and bruises, Hohn said.

In videos, Hohn said he saw someone throw a laptop at another person. Other people were kicked on the ground or stomped.

"It was a pretty violent fight," he said, noting that it's unclear what led to the altercation.

In total, 12 people have been identified so far, and more arrests could be made in the future, Hohn said.

"It's not socially acceptable to be doing this. There's programs for these kids. We have the PAL building, the Boys and Girls Club, after school programs, sports," Hohn said. "There's no reason for these kids to have nothing to do. Instead of walking around downtown and causing fights and riots, get engaged in something."

If anyone has more information about the fight, they should contact the SPD at 203-977-4639. Or submit a confidential tip by texting the word “StamfordPD” and the tip information to 847411 (tip411).