After Downtown Days chaos, Lee’s Summit police file 7 juvenile cases for review
Lee’s Summit police said their investigation into the chaos at the Downtown Days festival last month had resulted in a group of cases that were sent for review for potential charging.
The department said in a statement Monday morning that police had submitted seven cases involving youths for review in Jackson County Family Court.
The Office of the Juvenile Officer acts as a prosecutor for criminal charges brought against youths. Scott Lauck, a spokesperson for the office, said in an email Monday afternoon that the cases were under review.
Lee’s Summit police said detectives conducted an “extensive” investigation using video footage, eyewitness statements and other evidence to identify those who were believed to be involved in criminal activity.
“The Lee’s Summit Police Department appreciates the cooperation of community members, witnesses, and event attendees who provided information that assisted in this investigation,” the department said. “We remain committed to maintaining a safe environment at community events and will continue working with our community partners to promote public safety while holding individuals accountable for unlawful behavior.”
The investigation was set off by a chaotic June 6 evening at the festival in which police said they responded to reports of fights, assaults, property damage and large groups of youths refusing to disperse.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol were called in for backup. In one incident, a child unleashed bear spray in a crowd, and in another, officers recovered a gun after chasing another youth, police said. Videos showed youths running through the event and scuffling with police before officers shooed attendees away.
After the chaos, Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street, the group that put on the event, canceled future Downtown Days events. A woman filed a lawsuit against the event’s organizers over injuries she suffered when she was bowled over during a crowd rush.
