‘These altercations are being recorded and shared’: Storm Lake PD addresses uptick in youth violence

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — The Storm Lake Police Department took to social media on Thursday to address a recent uptick in youth violence as juveniles in the area have been recording and sharing videos of them fighting each other, officials said.

In their statement about the recent issue, the police department said that they have recently seen an uptick in youth violence in public areas. They said that they are specifically seeing juveniles fighting each other, recording these fights, and posting them on social media platforms.

“This trend is dangerous,” the police department said. “By recording and sharing these fights, our youth are not only putting themselves at risk, but they are also normalizing and sensationalizing violent behavior. That is not the community we want to foster.”

The police department is asking parents to talk with their kids about the situation, inform them of the consequences, as well as monitor what they are up to.

The police department also said in their statement that going forward, arrests may be made when these fights happen.

“Understand that moving forward, if three or more people gather in a public place and any of them act in a violent manner, with intent to commit any public offense, they could be arrested and charged with unlawful assembly. This includes individuals gathering to watch, record, or participate in a fight or any other public offense,” SLPD said.

They also said that recording illegal activities such as these fights may also result in the police department seizing juveniles’ cell phones.

“We encourage members of the public to call the police when they see fights occurring within our community. If you see something, say something,” SLPD said. “Let’s work together to stand together against youth violence.”

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