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Brawl between teens near Saugus
Teen violence blew up at a park in the Santa Clarita area.
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - Santa Clarita residents expressed frustration over escalating violence and disturbances at Pacific Crest Park, especially on weekends.
Residents said the park becomes a hot spot for unruly behavior at night, drawing large crowds and causing concern among local homeowners.
What we know:
Video shows a teenager being arrested by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies after he allegedly smashed a glass bottle over another teen's head.
Residents said this is part of the chaos they've been witnessing for months. Crowds of up to 300 teenagers reportedly gather at the park, engaging in activities such as drinking, street takeovers, and setting off fireworks.
What they're saying:
Residents have voiced their concerns to both law enforcement and the city of Santa Clarita, but they feel their pleas have gone largely unaddressed.
One resident said,"Catch and release. They get arrested, but they're right back on the streets right after they get arrested. So what's the consequence?"
Another resident described the situation, saying, "A little drive through here, 70, 80 miles per hour. Burnouts, urinating in people's front yards, throwing trash, loud noise, fireworks sometimes."
The backstory:
The incidents at Pacific Crest Park have been ongoing, with residents on Garnet Canyon Drive raising alarms about the situation for months. Despite efforts to involve law enforcement, the problems persist, leading to a growing sense of frustration and helplessness among the community.
What's next:
The community is calling for increased law enforcement presence, especially during weekends when the park is most crowded. While some tickets have been issued, including curfew violations, residents remain skeptical about their effectiveness in curbing the behavior. The recent arrest is seen as a potential turning point, but many doubt it will lead to lasting change without more substantial intervention.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents hope for a resolution that will restore peace and safety to their neighborhood.