Following a weekend of chaos near the University of Minnesota campus that resulted in multiple people, including juveniles, being arrested, community members addressed Minneapolis community leaders and law enforcement officials about the need for improved safety around the area.
The chaos began last Friday night when police responded to 300 block of 13th Avenue Southeast where a group of about 50 people were told to disperse. Shortly after that incident, police went to the 1200 block of 5th Street Southeast where another large group of juveniles was told to disperse.
That crowd was noncompliant prompting MPD to disperse pepper spray. Four juveniles were detained.
Not long after, more juveniles were taken into custody when they fled police who observed an altercation between two groups of people in 1400 block of 5th Avenue Southeast.
"The university is trying to put as many resources as we can into the neighborhood," said Nicholas Juarez with University of Minnesota's Department of Safety. "We want to continue our education about being safe, how to be safe."
More violence unfolded late Saturday night into early Sunday morning. A woman was assaulted in a parking lot on the 1200 block of 4th Street Southeast and police dealt with more crowds fighting throughout the area.
Tuesday night's meeting organized by the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Organization included stories from neighbors, students and business owners about ongoing safety concerns and issues.
Headed into a busy weekend at the U, MPD police chief Brian O'Hara stated there'd be an increased police presences, additional lighting, and a traffic plan to disrupt activity due to the number of juveniles who drove to the area during last weekend's violence.
We will continue to have an enhanced police presence and respond immediately, and continue to cite persons and arrest them when needed," added O'Hara.
O'Hara stated over the weekend that the group included mostly teenagers from out of town including those from Edina, Eden Prairie, Brooklyn Center, and Brooklyn Park.
