After 300 Teens Crowd Flossmoor Street, Chief Explains How To Handle Massive Teen Parties

FLOSSMOOR, IL — After a May 31 incident in the Flossmoor Hills neighborhood, police on Tuesday warned residents of teenage parties that could quickly grow into massive gatherings and a public nuisance.

On Saturday, May 31, police said more than 300 teenagers gathered near a home in the Flossmoor Hills neighborhood after 10:30 p.m., blocking streets and disturbing neighbors. Flossmoor Police Department officers responded and ended the gathering after midnight. Police observed no fights; there were no reports of vandalism or damage to property. No citations were issued.

Flossmoor police said similar gatherings happened in other south suburban communities that night.

Events such as these often begin as smaller parties, says Flossmoor Police Chief Carl Estelle, but they can quickly grow out of control through social media and texting, leading to unsafe behavior or public disturbances.

“As we head into warmer months, the likelihood of large gatherings such as this one will increase, and these events are not unique to Flossmoor,” said Chief Estelle. “We were fortunate that Saturday’s event was dispersed peacefully. The Police Department would like residents to understand how to stay safe and how to respond appropriately should this sort of happening recur in our community.”

What to Do

Call 911 immediately if you witness any of the following:

— Individuals damaging property
— Fights or aggressive behavior
— Individuals jumping on vehicles or trespassing
— Loud, disorderly conduct spilling into streets or yards

• Stay indoors and remain calm. Keep your family and pets inside and avoid drawing attention to your property.
• Secure your property by locking doors and windows, closing your garage door, and bringing in any valuables from outside.
• Document from a safe distance. If safe to do so, record video or take photos that may help law enforcement, but do not put yourself at risk.

What Not to Do

• Do not engage or confront the group. These situations can escalate quickly, and some individuals may be unpredictable.
• Do not attempt to break up the gathering yourself. Leave that to trained law enforcement personnel.
• Do not circulate unverified information online. Misinformation can cause unnecessary panic and hinder response efforts. Share official updates from trusted sources only.

“By staying alert, prepared and informed, our residents can help us maintain the safety and quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said Chief Estelle. “Parents, we ask that you please also speak to your teens about avoiding large, unsanctioned gatherings this summer.”

If you have any questions or would like to report a potential teen party location or suspicious activity, please call the Flossmoor Police Department’s non-emergency line: 708-957-4500, ext. 2.