Centerville police prepared for potential teen takeovers during the recent Freedom Festival following incidents in other communities. Officials stated they would be watching closely for large groups of teenagers to prevent disruptions during the Fourth of July festivities.
The increased vigilance follows an incident last July when teenagers threw a lit firework into a crowd, resulting in minor injuries. Lt. Will Barnes of the Centerville Police Department noted that such incidents can ruin the event for everyone.
To prevent a repeat of last year's events, police monitored online chatter involving teenagers and prepared to break up large groups if necessary. Officers were ready to remove individuals from the park or make arrests if required. Last year, police had to detain individuals and make several referrals to juvenile court.
Centerville was among several Utah cities that implemented a ban on personal fireworks this year. Mayor Clark Wilkinson stated the decision was made to ensure safety for all residents, encouraging the community to attend the city's official fireworks show instead.
Police also requested that parents speak with their children about their plans for the evening to help prevent problems before they begin.
Centerville officials expressed hope that residents would safely celebrate the 250th birthday of America without a small number of people spoiling the festivities.
