Three teenage boys have been arrested in Washington, D.C., for their involvement in a brawl at a Chipotle restaurant in the Navy Yard neighborhood that occurred on May 16. The Metropolitan Police Department announced on June 12 that two 16-year-olds and one 15-year-old have been charged with simple assault and affray. Two of the suspects are from the District of Columbia, while one is from Maryland.
An affray is defined as a public fight involving two or more people that disturbs the peace. The incident, which involved multiple teenagers throwing chairs, gained attention on social media. The individuals involved fled the scene before police arrived, and no injuries were reported.
The MPD and the FBI Washington Field Office are seeking an additional suspect who has not yet been apprehended, and a photo of this individual has been released. Following the incident, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro indicated that parents of teenagers involved in violent incidents could face prosecution if they do not supervise their children.
The issue of 'teen takeovers' has reportedly increased in the district, prompting Mayor Muriel Bowser to implement limited emergency juvenile curfews. A long-term curfew measure passed by the D.C. Council is set to take effect on July 16 after a mandatory congressional review period. The previous emergency order for a citywide curfew expired recently, and the council did not extend it.