Darby residents fed up after youth wreak havoc in business district; Police clear up 'misinformation'

A community is coming together over young people causing problems in the business district forcing police to make nearly a dozen arrests over two days.

Darby Borough Police were on standby Monday with a heightened presence in the business district in the area of MacDade Boulevard after they say young people caused major disruptions to businesses last week.

"Today we had another plan. We put that plan in place and we did not have any incidents down there today. So that is a good sign," said Chief Joseph Gabe who attended a community meeting tonight to talk about an uptick in incidents. 

He spoke before the council and the community to clear up what he calls ‘misinformation’ about children detained last week after he says Thursday other measures to get them to leave businesses and the area failed.

"Friday there was another incident down there across the street from McDonald’s in the shopping center where the Popeyes is too. A large fight. We had a detail down there that day to prevent anything from happening and once we pulled the detail off, a whole mob pulled up and began fighting and we made several more arrests that day," he said.

Residents came out looking for a solution.

"It's very embarrassing and I don't understand what's going on either," said Kimberly Ferris.

"They know the only thing the cops can do is maybe write a citation. That is not good enough. They had no fear and there is no deterrent for them," said Paul Richards.

One woman said her grandson arrived after the chaos but was one of the kids police took into custody.

"All the kids aren't involved. So the cops cannot choose who. They just pick up everybody. But for me Thursday was very upsetting to me because I know I just sent my kid to McDonald's to get something to eat," said Tiffany Peterson.

Many called on parents to be more involved or be held accountable.

"Maybe we shouldn't fine the children. Maybe we should fine the parents," said Council member Janice Davis who represents the second ward.

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