Yet another violent Florida 'teen takeover' leads to arrests of suspects as young as 12, officials say

Yet another violent Florida "teen takeover" has led to the arrests of suspects as young as 12, officials said.

Tampa Police officers arrested 22 people in connection with the Friday-night incident in the area of Curtis Hixon Park, which police said resulted in "significant disruptions, fights, and other issues in the park."

'Unfortunately, the poor decisions made by these 22 individuals last night could have lasting consequences that follow them well into adulthood.'

Police said arrestees were charged with crimes ranging from affray, possession of narcotics, and resisting arrest to unlawful possession of a weapon. A state statute defines "affray" — a first-degree misdemeanor — as engaging "by mutual consent, in fighting with another person in a public place to the terror of the people." Officers also seized two firearms and one vehicle connected with the disturbance, police said.

Police said patrol officers, bike units, and Air Service personnel responded to the incident; much of the response was captured on video.

Police also listed the following descriptions of each arrested individual:

• 12-year-old (black male): Affray
• 13-year-old (black female): Affray
• 13-year-old (black male): Affray, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drugs without a prescription
• 13-year-old (black male): Affray
• 13-year-old (black male): Affray
• 13-year-old (black male): Affray
• 13-year-old (black male): Possession of a Controlled Substance and affray
• 14-year-old (black male): Affray
• 14-year-old (black male): Affray and resisting an officer with violence
• 15-year-old (black male): Affray and ROWV
• 15-year-old (black male): Affray
• 15-year-old (black male): ROWV
• 15-year-old (black male): Affray
• 16-year-old (black male): Affray and ROWV
• 16-year-old (black male): Affray, ROWV, and possession of a controlled substance
• 16-year-old (black female): Affray and ROWV
• 17-year-old (black male): ROWV
• 17-year-old (black male): Possession of a controlled substance and obstructing a highway
• 18-year-old Rodrico Boyd (white male): Possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia
• 20-year-old Don McAllister (black male): Possession of cannabis under 20g, possession of cannabis sativa resin, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony
• 20-year-old Michael Ashford (black male): Fleeing to elude and ROWV
• 21-year-old Yarli Smith (black male): Affray

Bodycam video shows one officer approaching a large group of brawling individuals while others are seen recording the violent chaos on their cell phones. Video also was recorded from the air that depicts the large scope of the violence.

RELATED: Fights erupt, deputies hurt after more than 1,000 teens descend upon Florida amusement park in planned 'takeover'

"This type of reckless and criminal behavior will not be tolerated in our city," Chief of Police Lee Bercaw said. "What began as a large gathering quickly escalated into disorder and activity that placed others at risk. Parents need to know where their children are and who they are with. Unfortunately, the poor decisions made by these 22 individuals last night could have lasting consequences that follow them well into adulthood. The Tampa Police Department remains committed to being one of the safest major cities in the nation, and we will continue taking strong enforcement action against anyone who threatens the peace and safety of our community."

Just last month, fights erupted and sheriff's deputies were hurt after more than 1,000 teenagers descended upon ICON Park in Orlando as part of a planned "takeover."

Indeed, Tampa Police added that with summer approaching, the growing "takeover" trend has become a concern for communities across the country — not just in Tampa.

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