ROCKLAND — A group of juveniles known to local law enforcement caused a series of disturbances in downtown Rockland, leading to multiple interventions by the police, including arrests for criminal trespassing.
The incidents began around 5 p.m. yesterday when several juveniles entered a downtown restaurant/bar, causing a disturbance.
One juvenile momentarily heightened tensions by donning a mask and placing their hands in their pockets, simulating the possession of a weapon.
The group fled before officers arrived but were soon located by the police.
No weapon was found, and although no charges were filed, the juveniles were trespassed from the property and their parents and juvenile correctional officers were notified.
Later that evening, parents reported to law enforcement that their attempts to retrieve their children from a Rockland apartment were thwarted when the teenagers escaped out of a second-story window.
The same group of juveniles, believed to be responsible for the earlier disturbance, had reportedly caused trouble at several other businesses throughout the afternoon and evening.
Law enforcement later encountered the group in Thomaston, where they were being loud and borderline disorderly.
Efforts to de-escalate the situation and send the juveniles home were unsuccessful.
At 1 a.m., police found the group, accompanied by one of their parents, in downtown public restrooms that had been left unsecured.
The group was dispersed, and the restrooms were secured.
At around 2 a.m., three juveniles and 18-year-old Daniel Mitchell were discovered trespassing behind Rockland Public Works.
Following a brief pursuit, all were apprehended and charged with criminal trespassing.
One juvenile was taken to Pen Bay Medical Center for a mental health evaluation, while two were released to their parents, with one running away shortly thereafter.
Today, at least one business reported overnight property damage.
Security footage led to the quick identification of two juveniles from the previous night’s incidents, and they are expected to be charged with criminal mischief.
Rockland Police acknowledge the strain these incidents place on community resources and emphasize that the behavior of this small group of juveniles does not represent the majority, many of whom positively engage with law enforcement and the community.
The police continue to work with the juvenile justice system, courts, community members, and local organizations to address these issues and maintain order.
Efforts are also being made to work with property owners and landlords to manage properties that are habitual sources of nuisance calls and where minors gather without supervision, often resulting in disturbance calls and criminal activity.
