A post-‘Pride parade’ arrest frenzy on Chicago’s North Side led to 14 people, including five teenagers, facing felony charges early Monday morning. This occurred hours after the city’s Pride parade, which ended around 1 p.m. Sunday.
Police reported that a total of 53 arrests took place, including nine juveniles. Four firearms were recovered during this chaotic aftermath. Among those arrested, six were cited for obstructing traffic and another six for disorderly conduct. In addition, one individual was apprehended due to an outstanding warrant.
The Sequence of Events
The mass arrests commenced at around 1:23 a.m. in the 3000-block of North Clark Street near Halsted in Lakeview, showing a significant time gap between the end of the Pride festivities and the incidents. Reports indicated people jumping onto cars and throwing bottles at police officers.
Charges and Arrests Identified
A series of detailed misdemeanor charges were handed out, including reckless conduct, battery, assault, resisting or obstructing an officer, and criminal damage to property. Police indicated that charges against two individuals are still pending.
The Accused Juveniles
Among the identified juveniles:
- A 14-year-old boy was charged with aggravated battery of a transit employee.
- A 15-year-old boy faced charges for unlawful use of a weapon by a person under 21 and possession of a laser sight and silencer.
The Adults Facing Charges
- Robin Hill, aged 20, was charged with aggravated battery of a police officer and resisting.
- Selena Seawood, aged 20, faced charges for aggravated battery of a police officer and public alcohol consumption.
- Kenyatta Head, aged 27, was charged with manufacturing substances with intent.
An Insight into the Scene
Local business owners provided unique insights into the situation. Chris Karountzos, owner of Modern Grill, described the scene vividly: Like are those party buses or those CTA buses because they were literally people like not just one, not just two. We’re talking 20, 30 people on two buses dancing like it was a dance floor. It was insane.
This sentiment echoed across the local community as residents observed ongoing activities well after the event. Meredith Maiorana noted: The parade was done, hours and hours [ago] and this was still happening the whole day, and I think they were just trying to encourage people to go home. People were just partying and it was obvious people were intoxicated and just being loud and being rambunctious there were people like doing some kind of club dancing. It was pretty wild.
Impact on Community Sentiment
Around Clark and Belmont at 1:30 a.m., video showed scenes of chaos as revelers continued into the night long after official celebrations were over. Neighborhood residents stated that those arrested didn’t appear to be genuine Pride revelers but rather individuals who disrupted the day’s celebratory atmosphere.
Follow Us
