EUCLID, Ohio — Euclid is one of several communities in Greater Cleveland that has dealt with crimes involving juveniles at festivals and other large gatherings this summer.
As its police department responds with enhanced security at events, Euclid City Council is considering an ordinance that would hold parents and guardians criminally responsible when "delinquent acts" involving juveniles occur.
At its most recent council meeting on July 15, legislation was introduced by Councilman Kristian Jarosz that would charge parents with a misdemeanor "for violating parental responsibility."
"The goal of this legislation is to provide a modicum of deterrence by first formally notifying the parent/legal guardian of the juvenile's criminal activity in hopes that it will be addressed at home," the ordinance states. "It will also send a message that this community will no longer tolerate such behavior."
The ordinance notes that there were 178 cases in Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court involving 119 Euclid minors in 2021. The following year, there were 217 cases involving 154 Euclid juveniles.
"It shall be unlawful for a parent, legal custodian, legal guardian, or other person lawfully charged with the care of a child under eighteen years of age, to knowingly fail to supervise such child. It shall be no defense that a parent or person charged with parental control and authority over the child was completely indifferent to the activities or conduct or whereabouts of such child," the legislation reads.
So how will the penalties work, per the ordinance?
"Whenever a child is arrested or detained for the commission of any delinquent act within the City, the parent or person charged with parental control and authority over the child shall be notified by the Euclid Police Department in writing for the first offense, advising the parent of such arrest or detention, the reason therefor, and the parent's responsibility under this chapter," the legislation notes.
After the first notification, punishment will go from a "minor misdemeanor," to misdemeanor of the fourth degree, then a misdemeanor of the third degree.
The legislation was referred to Euclid City Council's Safety Committee. The next meeting of the full council is set for Aug. 19.
While council considers the parental responsibility legislation, Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer says that increased security measures by his department helped to ensure the enjoyment and safety of patrons at the Ss. Robert & William Festival last weekend amid "unruly juveniles."
Meyer reported that "all of the unruly behavior issues" at the festival occurred on Friday and Saturday night.
"On Friday and Saturday evening, groups began congregating in the church parking lot. The juveniles were fighting, blocking traffic, jumping on vehicles, and causing a general inconvenience to everyone who was there trying to enjoy themselves with their families," Meyer noted in a letter to the community.
Meyer added that the "unruly crowd became increasingly aggressive and hostile" as they "ignored repeated commands to disperse and go home."
As the crowd began to taunt and threaten to fight the police, Meyer says Euclid officers used "OC spray and pepper balls to disperse the crowd." When smaller groups reformed on surrounding streets, Euclid police continued to disperse them "in order to mediate the threat to the safety and security of the neighborhood."
Meyer said no arrests were made.
"I am extremely proud of our Officers," he added. "They showed incredible restraint, professionalism, and composure in a highly volatile situation. As a result, the festival felt very safe to the patrons. Our message was clearly sent that we were not tolerating this type of unruly and destructive behavior."
Previous Reporting:
- Kirtland police institute new safety rules for Strawberry Festival amid recent uptick of violence at area events
- 'Stupidity': Macedonia pausing seasonal festivals after shots fired at Summerfest, mayor announces
- 'I think these church festivals are a thing of the past': Mayfield Heights chief speaks out following several arrests at Saint Clare Community Days