Charlotte leaders are considering a sweeping expansion of the city’s youth curfew after a string of violent “teen takeovers” led to shootings, assaults on police officers and businesses shutting down across the city.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella Patterson presented the proposal to the Charlotte City Council on Monday, citing multiple incidents over the past two months involving large groups of teenagers gathering through social media.
CMPD officials say the events have escalated into fights, shootings and other disturbances that have strained public safety resources.
One of the most serious incidents occurred on June 14 at Romare Bearden Park, where two teenagers, ages 15 and 18, were shot during a teen takeover. Police arrested three suspects, including two 16-year-olds and one 15-year-old.
Just days earlier, another gathering in University City drew an estimated 200 to 300 teenagers. Officers responding to break up fights were assaulted, 12 juveniles were arrested, and police recovered a firearm from a 16-year-old.
Under the proposal, Charlotte’s nightly curfew would begin at 9 pm for anyone under the age of 18. The city currently prohibits children under 13 from being in public between 10 pm and 6 am, while juveniles under 15 face an 11 pm to 6 am curfew.
The proposed ordinance includes exceptions for young people attending school, church, sporting events and other approved activities.
