22 arrested, including 12-year-old, after ‘teen takeover’ in Tampa: police

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Tampa Police Department said 22 people, between the ages of 12 and 21, were arrested on Friday night after chaos broke out at a “teen takeover.”

A large group of teens and young adults descended on the area around Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa the evening of May 8, TPD said, “causing significant disruptions, fights, and other issues.”

Officers responded to the “takeover,” which eventually spilled into surrounding streets, impeding traffic and endangering motorists.

TPD made 22 arrests on a number of charges, while video release by the department shows a large number of attendees fleeing the area on foot. ---More...

????Tampa police are being praised after a large “teen takeover” incident was quickly shut down with a major law enforcement response, including air support.

Dozens were arrested.

Weapons and drugs were reportedly recovered.

Florida authorities are making it clear they’re taking… pic.twitter.com/a2k2e5TMs5

— ⁿᵉʷˢ Barron Trump ???????? (@BarronTNews_)May 10, 2026