CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — Arrest warrants have been issued for six individuals following a tumultuous event termed a “teen takeover” which spiraled into a confrontation and shooting in late May, announced the Clearwater Police Department.
This decisive action by authorities came after an exhaustive and “detailed” examination of digital evidence stemming from the incident on May 31 at Clearwater Beach, as stated on Wednesday by the police department.
The warrants include charges of rioting against five juveniles, one of whom being a 17-year-old injured by gunfire during the events. Through the investigation, police discovered that this teenager, despite being a shooting victim, was also actively “engaged in riotous behavior.”
Among those charged in the chaos of the “teen takeover” is an adult identified as Nigel Charleak Carleston, 18, hailing from Valrico, as confirmed by Clearwater police.
As of Wednesday, two of the juvenile suspects had been taken into custody. Officers said they were working with agencies in Pasco, Hillsborough and Polk counties to arrest the four remaining suspects.
The chaos of the incident was captured through multiple videos, with one person recording the fight that broke out in a parking lot near Coronado Drive. Several people could then be seen running from the area.
It followed another “teen takeover” in Tampa during which eight juveniles were arrested. Police and state officials have since been cracking down on the growing social media trend by increasing patrols and going after the event organizers.
“If you think you can come to our city and expect to get away with this, think again,” said Clearwater Police Chief Gandy. “Our officers and detectives will relentlessly pursue the leads necessary to put you in jail and hold you accountable.”