'They Picked The Wrong City': Dearborn Heights Police Shuts Down Teen Takeover

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI — Dearborn Heights Police said they thwarted a "teen takeover" attempt over the weekend.

Police said a group of teens on Saturday tried to "take over" the city's Spirit Festival, which is one of Dearborn Heights’ oldest community and family-oriented traditions.

Officers arrived immediately and shut down the takeover, arresting several unruly youths, according to police.

Additional individuals were detained as officers quickly cleared the area and protected families on the scene, according to police.

"We do not tolerate this behavior in Dearborn Heights," Dearborn Heights Police Chief Michael Guzowski said. "My officers were on top of this from the first moment, and we will continue to respond with the same speed and force every time."

"Teen takeover" is a nationwide trend where large groups of teens use social media to gather at specific public spaces, such as downtown districts, malls or parks.

The large groups have at times overwhelmed police and have led to traffic disruptions, property damage and instances of violence.

A teen was shot and injured last month in an area of downtown Detroit where roughly 60 kids gathered, according to police.

Detroit Police Chief told parents to know where their children are. Dearborn Heights Police also called on adults to help.

"To the parents of these teens: know where your children are and what they are doing," police said. "The families at Spirit Festival came to enjoy a safe community event, and we need parents to do their part to keep it that way."