‘Meet-up’ of nearly 100 juveniles causes chaos at Blue Springs shopping center
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — What started as a series of harmless "truck meet-ups" at a Blue Springs shopping center took a turn Saturday night after nearly 100 juveniles were reported to be recklessly driving, underage drinking and starting a fire. Now, one is in custody.
According to the Blue Springs Police Department , over the last few weeks, several "high school-aged" individuals have been gathering at a local shopping district for a "truck meet-up."
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Although most of the attendees have been "law-abiding," police say a small number of participants have caused issues, which eventually escalated Saturday night.
Police received reports that nearly 100 juveniles, many of whom were not from the area, had been recklessly driving through the shopping district's parking lot, underage drinking, starting a fire, and disrupting others who were trying to go to the businesses.
Officers arrived on the scene and took a juvenile into custody for careless driving; however, during the arrest, a large crowd formed around the officers, interfering with their job, yelling profanities at them and calling them racial slurs, police say.
According to law enforcement, the crowd continued to grow and become volatile, prompting a supervisor to call in backup from other nearby law enforcement agencies.
Officers and deputies with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Grain Valley, Buckner, Lone Jack and Oak Grove Police Departments arrived on the scene and helped safely disperse the crowd.
"We appreciate the swift response and partnership of these agencies," Blue Springs police said.
At this time, officers are working closely with the property owners of the shopping area to develop a coordinated response plan. This plan will include a large police presence in the area.
"We want to be clear: unlawful behavior will not be tolerated. Enforcement actions will be taken for violations, including, but not limited to, disturbing the peace, minor in possession of alcohol, careless and imprudent driving, trespassing, disorderly conduct, Missouri Halo Law, and unlawful assembly," the Blue Springs Police Department said.
"Our community deserves to enjoy its shopping districts in a safe and peaceful environment, and we are committed to ensuring that remains the case."
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