Chaos erupts at Chicago beach when police spot gun; 4 arrested
CHICAGO - A hot day at the beach turned chaotic when Chicago police spotted a gun.
The incident happened Wednesday as large crowds descended on 31st Street Beach.
"I was definitely asking why are there so many police? Thirty, forty police lined up. It was strange," one beachgoer said.
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FOX 32 captured the moment officers took down a man armed with a gun.
"I seen a weapon coming out of his pocket," one person said.
In addition, police patrols were increased at the beach after a reported youth takeover was posted on social media. The event was promoting a boxing, drinking and twerking contest.
Police said four people were arrested and charged, three of them for gun offenses, at Wednesday’s gathering:
- A 16-year-old boy was charged with unauthorized use of a weapon after police spotted him with a handgun in his waistband around 8 p.m.
- A man, 18, was found with a gun was charged with unauthorized use of a weapon.
- A man, 22, was charged with a misdemeanor count of concealed carry in a park facility.
- A woman, 27, was arrested for aggravated battery to an officer and resisting arrest.
Meanwhile, an excessive heat warning was in effect for most of the day. Crowds flocked to the lake to keep cool, and the public was warned to be careful.
Residents were advised to stay hydrated and check on seniors.
Chicago has opened six cooling centers, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, Monday through Friday (except for the Garfield Center, which is open 24 hours):
- Englewood Center, 1140 W. 79th St.
- Garfield Center, 10 S. Kedzie Ave.
- King Center, 4314 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
- North Area Center, 845 W. Wilson Ave.
- South Chicago Center, 8650 S. Commercial Ave.
- Trina Davila Center, 4312 W. North Ave.
Residents can also find relief in one of the city’s more than 75 Chicago Public Library locations and more than 250 Chicago Park District fieldhouses as well as 176 splash pads.
The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.