Chicago police descend on North Avenue Beach amid teen takeover plans; officers appear to arrest 1

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Community-based groups are doubling down on their pleas to parents to ensure that any teen gathering over the summer is a safe one.

Chicago police had a strong show of force along North Avenue Beach on Monday night after CPD and Chicago Public Schools warned parents about two possible teen gatherings.

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A flyer that ABC7 has seen circulating around social media advertised a "Senior Ditch Day," calling on high school students to gather at North Avenue Beach on Monday. Officers were seen screening people as they entered the beach.

ABC7 cameras were rolling as officers appeared to arrest one individual after an officer pulled out what looked like a gun from the person's backpack. ABC7 has blurred that person's face because it's not clear if they are facing charges.

On Sunday night, police responded to a large teen gathering in Hyde Park near 55th and Blackstone Avenue.

Police say a 14-year-old girl was arrested and charged with aggravated battery after she ignored verbal warnings and hit an officer on the head.

Justin Peters, founder of Chitown Crime Chasers, started his violence interruption organization years ago to help bridge the gaps between police and the community.

"I'm tired of seeing a lot of these kids out here getting hurt. They want to come out and have fun. There's nothing wrong with coming out and having fun and congregating, but when things turn chaotic and violent, then that's when there's an issue," Peters said. "I've done seen several takeovers that got real chaotic, real violent, and some turned deadly. But we be out here trying to provide resources and build a bond with these kids."

And with the summer months around the corner, Justin and his team are working to expand their reach.

"Seems like the goal here is to put yourself out of business," ABC7 reporter Cate Cauguiran said.

"Something like that, but we're out here, we're trying to show our face more, build a bigger team, so that we can expand all over the city and get all hands on, and all helping hands on deck. It's going to take all of us to save us," Peters said.

Peters said that includes parent intervention on top of community organizers and police, something that Chicago's mayor has spoken about as well.