As Raleigh weighs youth curfew, Wilmington police say it’s not needed
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As Raleigh considers a youth curfew following a violent Fourth of July teen takeover and Greenville enforces a temporary curfew, Wilmington police say they do not believe similar restrictions are necessary locally — at least for now.
The discussion comes after a large fight during the Fourth of July celebration at the Country Club of Landfall, where Wilmington police have since arrested and charged three juveniles in connection with the July 3 assault of security guard Russell James.
Sgt. Ronald Evans with the Wilmington Police Department said anyone involved in unlawful group gatherings, often referred to as “teen takeovers,” will be held accountable.
“If you don’t do the right thing, you’re going to have to suffer the consequences in the end, whatever that may be,” said Evans.
The violent Fourth of July gathering in Raleigh, which ended in gunfire, prompted Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce to propose a youth curfew. That has raised questions about whether Wilmington could consider a similar measure.
Evans said police have not seen the same pattern locally.
“We haven’t seen an influx of the mob mentality, you know, in person or online in this general area,” said Evans.
Because of that, he said a curfew is not warranted at this time.
“I don’t think this is a conversation that we want to go to; we don’t want to restrict our citizens, or the general public by any means,” said Evans.
Even so, Evans said officers continue monitoring youth activity, particularly as social media makes it easier for large groups to organize quickly.
Adolescents also often engage in impulsive, risk-taking behavior, while e-bikes allow groups to travel and gather rapidly.
“If we see someone that is riding these e-bikes, or any other type of transportation they have in an unsafe manner, we’ll stop them, and we’ll let them know the wrong and right way to do things to ensure their safety and the safety of the general public,” said Evans.
Evans emphasized that the department’s goal is not to stop people from enjoying community events, but to ensure they do so safely.
We want everyone to go out and have a good time and enjoy themselves and just enjoy life in general, but again, if that conversation is had with the citizens, and the leadership of the city and the agency, you know, then we’ll make a determination from there,” said Evans.
For now, Wilmington police say education, parental involvement and enforcement remain their primary tools for preventing large, disruptive gatherings. Officers say they will continue monitoring for any signs that teen takeovers are becoming a growing trend in the area.
