Chicago City Wire

Marvin Benites, 28, was one of an estimated 1,000 people who flooded into downtown Chicago last weekend. 

He is one of nine arrested over the weekend. Benites was arrested on Saturday, April 15 at 100 N. Wabash Ave. in Chicago and charged with reckless conduct and issuance of a warrant.

"It’s heartbreaking, kids fighting, chasing each other, some of them got guns," one witness to the violence told NBC 5. "It's really heartbreaking when one of them actually gets hurt, and that’s unfortunate, happened last night.”

Benites was picked up in the two nights of mob violence that plagued the areas of Chicago. Those involved torched cars, smashed windows and randomly attacked strangers. On Friday one teen was shot by those in the crowd that gathered at 31st Street Beach. On Saturday two more teens were shot as another group gathered at Millennium Park. The mob actions began after calls for a “meet up.”

“The Chicago Police Department's top priority is the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors, including our city's youth. The reckless, disruptive and violent behavior that was seen downtown this past weekend will not be tolerated. We encourage our young people to be safe and responsible as they enjoy their weekends, but anyone engaged in criminal activity will be arrested and held accountable,” CPD said in the statement, according to ABC7 Chicago.

The Chicago Police Department also said that they "actively and continuously review open-source social media and additional resources will be available to protect those who are visiting, living or working in the areas of large gatherings. The resources will include increased police and command staff visibility at the gatherings within the city. Their Strategic Decision Support Centers (SDSCs) "will also be monitoring all activity and police cameras to assist in the proactive reallocation of resources when necessary.” 

The CPD also stated that “Additional security measures such as bag checks at beach entry points and the curfew for minors at Millennium Park will also be in place." They are also "working closely with youth and outreach workers for when these gatherings occur,” according to the statement released by the Chicago Police Department. 

They strongly encourage teens should be accompanied by their parents or "have them remain under the supervision of a responsible adult." The CPD pledged to remain in touch and work with community organizations and leaders "to provide safe spaces and alternatives for our youth across the city.”