Teenagers swarmed Center City Philadelphia for a second straight night on Monday, leading to multiple arrests. The chaos followed Sunday’s takeover near Dilworth Park that prompted arrests, citations and a gun seizure.
Philadelphia police increased patrols around City Hall after Sunday’s incident. Despite the added presence, groups of teens filled the area again Monday evening.
Action News reporters witnessed several arrests. One officer walked away from a scuffle with a bloodied face.
What witnesses saw Sunday near Dilworth Park
Jimmy Freeman of Logan said he witnessed Sunday’s takeover. He taped the scene with his Meta glasses.
Freeman said hundreds of teenagers descended on the area around Dilworth Park. The Made in Philadelphia Summer Market was closing at the time.
“All the vendors were out. Tents were everywhere. They were just breaking up. And as they were breaking up the tents and the stuff, all this chaos started happening.”
Freeman called the scene “wild.” Videos he shared show police responding as fights broke out. One clip shows officers attending to a person on the ground.
Arrests, citations and a gun seizure
Police say one person was arrested Sunday for having a firearm. Another was arrested for robbery. A third was arrested for disorderly conduct.
- One arrest for firearm possession
- One arrest for robbery
- One arrest for disorderly conduct
- Seven citations for disorderly conduct
Police say a gunshot rang out during the chaos. Officers then saw a young man placing something in a backpack. A foot chase followed. Officers caught him and found a handgun with 37 rounds in his bag, according to police.
Philadelphia police say they will use videos circulating on social media in their investigation.
Jonathan Dunleavy of Queen Village was heading to his girlfriend’s home when he saw the scene unfold.
“We had flash mobs when I was this age. Never like this. Never in Center City.”
Dunleavy said he heard someone shout that a man had a gun.
“I stopped and turned and heard pop pop.”
Background on Center City and Dilworth Park
Center City is Philadelphia’s downtown core. It is home to City Hall, office towers and major transit hubs. Dilworth Park sits next to City Hall on the western edge of the plaza. The park regularly hosts public events and seasonal markets, including the Made in Philadelphia Summer Market mentioned in Sunday’s incident.
Requests for comment
Action News has reached out to Philadelphia police for more information about Monday’s arrests. The station has also reached out to Mayor Cherelle Parker’s office. A response was not immediately available.
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