DETROIT – A weekend “teen takeover” in downtown Detroit turned violent late Sunday, leaving a 14-year-old injured and prompting city leaders to renew calls for parents to make sure teens follow curfew rules as summer approaches.
Police said the shooting happened near the intersection of Farmer Street and Grand River Avenue, an area typically busy during the week with people dining and shopping.
Investigators said the 14-year-old was shot in the chest.
A 16-year-old and a 17-year-old are now in custody in connection with the shooting.
“It’s really difficult to hear,” said Miles Fradenack, 19, who said he’s aware of the trend of large gatherings organized through social media. “I remember thinking that I was so grown when I was 14 and 16, but it’s like I see these 14 and 16-year-olds on the TV during these teen takeovers, and it’s like those are babies. Those are like literal children.”
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield said the city is investing in prevention while also emphasizing enforcement and accountability.
“I want to be clear that while this administration is creating safe spaces and investing in prevention, we equally are promoting accountability and enforcement,” Sheffield said. “And we will not tolerate violence. We will not tolerate what we saw this weekend. And we continue to push for parental responsibility in our curfew.”
The shooting happened as Detroit’s curfew was taking effect, the city said. Under Detroit’s curfew rules, youth 15 and under must be off the streets by 10 p.m., and 16- and 17-year-olds must be home by 11 p.m.
Fradenack said one question keeps coming to mind: “Where are the parents? What is causing this to happen?”
Police said that on Saturday, around 60 teens were detained downtown.
City officials say outreach teams were working downtown over the weekend, trying to engage young people before situations escalate.
Teferi Brent, Senior Director of Detroit’s Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety, said preventing violence requires broader involvement.
“Everybody needs to be involved,” Brent said. “Public safety is not just the responsibility of police and government. But more importantly, it’s the responsibility of our community, of our neighborhood leaders, of our families.”
The city recently launched “Occupy the Summer,” an initiative to keep youth active through programs and resources. Resident Christian Kessler said he’s hopeful the city’s approach can help reduce violence.
“I think you’ve got to be optimistic when it comes to something like this,” Kessler said. “Because, I mean, you’ve got to try. You’ve got to make some attempts. You’ve just got to keep working until something sticks.”
Brent said the city could use more help from individuals and groups willing to engage young people, adding that those interested can contact the Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety or the mayor’s office for information about volunteering.