"Disorderly and dangerous" groups of children causing disturbances at Crystal park, police say

Police in a northwestern Minneapolis suburb say dozens of "unsupervised juveniles" gathered at one of the city's parks on three straight days, becoming so "disorderly and dangerous" that multiple agencies responded and the park was temporarily closed.

The Crystal Police Department said between 75 and 150 children caused the commotion at Becker Park earlier this week. Police allege they came from "outside the city" via rideshare services.

"Numerous fights broke out, juveniles were dangerously using Orbeez guns (many which looked like real firearms), pepper spray was used, and at least one taser-type device was located," the department said. "Officers quickly determined these groups were unmanageable and creating an unsafe situation for all at the park."

Police cleared the group from the park each day, and on Sunday, closed the park "for everyone's safety," the department said.

After clearing the park, though, police said they "spent the next few hours" dispersing splinter groups in other parts of the city. "Numerous" arrests were made and some kids were banned from the park for two years.

The department said it will be conducting extra patrols at the park, turning away large groups that arrive via rideshare and arresting and trespassing additional violators. Police said parents or adults who allow children to participate could also face "enforcement actions."

"Since the city reimagined and reinvested in Becker Park five years ago, it has become a wonderful regional destination park for countless kids and families to enjoy," police said. "The city and the Police Department are very committed to taking the necessary steps to ensuring the park remains a welcoming and safe place for those kids and families."