CHANDLER, Ariz. — City council members in Chandler unanimously voted to adopt new laws Thursday to try and prevent teen violence in their community.
The ordinances were introduced after several arrests and reports of teens attacking teens in the East Valley. Gilbert also passed similar ordinances this week.
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The first new law makes it illegal to "permit, organize, host or attend unruly gatherings." Police will be able to cite people who are gathered at an unruly gathering and the person responsible could be arrested if any of the following occurs:
- minors possessing or consuming alcohol
- illegal drugs
- act designated a felony under state law
- physical altercation that results in injury
- previous citation for unruly gathering within prior 180 days
If that responsible party is under the age of 18, the parents or guardians of the teen could be held responsible, officials said.
The second ordinance bans anyone under the age of 18 from having brass or metal knuckles. It will also be illegal to sell the weapons to anyone under 18. Anyone in violation of the law could be charged with a misdemeanor which is punishable by up to a $2,500 fine, six months in jail or three years of probation.
The laws go into effect June 24.
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