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ICON Park Imposes Chaperone Rule After 1,000-Teen 'Takeover' Leads to Fights and 9 Arrests

Officials plan a larger police presence for a May 9 meetup.

Overview

  • A social-media 'teen takeover' at Orlando’s ICON Park on Saturday drew more than 1,000 youths and led to multiple fights and nine arrests.
  • The Orange County Sheriff's Office deployed 54 deputies to clear the area, and two deputies were hospitalized and later released.
  • Arrested teens were ages 13 to 16 on charges that included battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting, affray and trespass after warning.
  • In response, ICON Park introduced a chaperone policy requiring anyone 17 or younger to stay with a chaperone age 21 or older, with one adult allowed to supervise up to six teens.
  • Sheriff John Mina said the gathering was promoted online and warned that a known May 9 event will face a heavy law-enforcement presence.