By admin 
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — “I’m aware of the violence and the things that can happen,” said Charlotte resident Brandi Williams. “So, I am very much in support of how we can work together as a community to address this issue.”
Read more Tai chi practitioners seek balance and well-being in fast-paced Beijing
Safety continues to be top of mind for many Charlotte residents, including Brandi Williams, a member of the Park at Oaklawn Homeowners’ Association, who attended Tuesday’s special Charlotte City Council Safety Committee Meeting, calling attention to teen takeovers.
“My specific concern, that if we don’t get a handle on this, the consequences may become fatal,” said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Estella Patterson.
CMPD told committee members about takeovers in June, over the Fourth of July weekend, and this past weekend at University City.
“Near the boardwalk, we had another mass gathering of 200 to 300 youth that resulted in fights and disorder and a firearm being confiscated from a 16-year-old,” added Chief Patterson.
CMPD reports there have been 532 criminal juvenile incidents from January 1, 2026, to July 5, 2026. 456 of them took place from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Read more British leader Starmer faces his last question session in Parliament before leaving office next week
A citywide curfew is already in place for juveniles, but CMPD is recommending a stricter rule that will require anyone 17 and under to be inside by 9 p.m.
“This change, or this proposal, is not going to 100% prevent incidents,” said Chief Patterson. “It’s a tool that is going to help us moving forward. We have to make sure we are talking about all the different things we can do to have safe spaces for our young people.”
Brandi Williams says she’s involved with several youth organizations, and if they can do one thing for the youth and all residents, it’s to work together.
“I think there needs to be a coordinated effort among youth-serving organizations to say, ‘Here is what we are doing,’” added Williams. “But the youth also need to be involved.”
Charlotte City Council didn’t give a timeframe for when the full council would vote on the new proposal, but they say it will happen quickly.
Read more Top EU official visits Ukraine and pledges continued support against Russia’s invasion