Chicago's top cop on Friday addressed the police department's plans for combatting violence in the city this weekend, nearly one week after a chaotic and violent Saturday night that saw shootings, beatings, arrests and more as police responded to large groups of youths downtown.
Chicago Police Supt. David Brown warned that those who "come downtown or anywhere else to engage in disorderly conduct or other crimes" will be arrested by police.
Police said they are prepared to deal with "any large gathering that may occur in Millennium Park" and additional personnel will be deployed across the city, including in retail corridors and in the Central Business District on Michigan Avenue.
CPD reminded residents that the city has a curfew ordinance, which begins at 11 p.m. for anyone between the ages of 12 and 16 on Fridays and Saturdays and at 9 p.m. for those under 12 years old.
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter here.
Last weekend, a 12-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy were shot, a CTA bus driver was beaten, two officers were injured and nearly two dozens teens were arrested as police responded to large groups of youths who gathered in downtown Chicago.
The police department has already said it was canceling a regularly scheduled day off to help combat crime following the violent and chaotic weekend.
"To enhance public safety and to address current crime patterns, all full-duty sworn members will have one regular day off canceled," CPD said in a statement Monday.
Local
Others are calling for increased security, specifically along Michigan Avenue, with a commercial tax hike proposed to increase safety. The measure has passed a City Council committee already and is set to head to the full council next week.
The Magnificent Mile Association met Monday evening to discuss ramping up security amid recent burglaries in the area.
In the last month, grab-and-run thefts have been reported at numerous Michigan Avenue stores, including Nieman Marcus, Canada Goose, North Face, Burberry and more.
On Saturday, the Chicago Transit Authority's bus drivers union said it plans to hold a "mass demonstration" along Michigan Avenue to demand added protection for bus drivers.
