KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Dozens of teenagers were pepper sprayed by police when a fight broke out on the Country Club Plaza Saturday night. After a relatively quiet summer, the recent incident has sparked talk about expanding the city’s curfew from a summer provision to a year-round initiative.
Police say the brawl ended when officers used pepper spray to disperse the crowd. KCPD Chief Darryl Forte said the use of pepper spray came after officers issued verbal commands to get the teens leave the area, and when they did not, we’re told the pepper spray was used.
Kansas City Mayor Sly James says an expanded curfew is not the solution. The Mayor said kids need structured things like Club KC where dancing, video games and sport related activities are offered, but the Mayor says the city can’t afford to offer them.
“This is all a result of a failure of this city to address a need that has existed for decades, which is the fact that there is not nearly enough for our kids to do on the East side of town. There’s not a movie theater between the Plaza and Independence, there’s no bowling alleys, there’s nothing for them to do,” said James.
The Mayor said he’s not a fan of an expanded curfew but he’s willing to debate the issue with the City Council and the community.
