March 09, 2016
Fights broke out Wednesday afternoon in Center City where about 500 youths packed Dilworth Park, according to reports.
According to Metro, a police source called the swarm of young people a "perfect storm" and believe the warm temperatures and social media led to the huge crowds.
RELATED STORY: SEPTA police combat 'crisis' of after-school violence in Philadelphia
Dave Schratwieser of FOX29 reports, at least, five teenagers were arrested as a result of the altercations.
@FOX29philly Police arrest 5 teens after series of fights in Center City. Police say sparked by social media.#fox29 pic.twitter.com/o3MKfRholF
— Dave Schratwieser (@DSchratwieser) March 9, 2016
SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel, who was in Center City on Wednesday, said on Twitter the city's youths were "off the hook," subsequently clarifying that a small number were "out of control" and making other young people look bad.
I am and we all seem to have our hands full. The youth of our city are off the hook in Center City. https://t.co/jBe7himGDs
— Thomas J. Nestel III (@TNestel3) March 9, 2016
Weather has brought large number of students to Center City. While many are enjoying day, some are out of control. https://t.co/VUZjy2KZ9i
— Thomas J. Nestel III (@TNestel3) March 9, 2016
As with everything, a small group makes everyone look bad. Kids enjoying the weather downtown smeared by the behavior of the few.
— Thomas J. Nestel III (@TNestel3) March 9, 2016
Police have been combatting frequent violence between students at the transportation corridor at 15th Street in Center City.
Additional plainclothes officers, who are trained to look for signs that lead to violence, have been sent to ride subways and officers are keeping a closer eye on students at SEPTA stations during after-school hours.
Nestel has said that the situations they've been handling tend to get out of control when large groups gather and that the incidents tend to be fueled by social media.
