Florida sheriff vows to lock up parents over TikTok teen takeover trend
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The “teen takeover” trend caught the attention of Sheriff Grady Judd, and he vowed to hold parents responsible for the Florida sheriff’s unruly children.
“There’s a new TikTok trend,” Sheriff Judd said in a social media video Thursday. “You know, going to restaurants, trashing places, going on dates, going crazy.”
“Listen, this is not going to work in Polk County,” he said.
WILD BODY CAMERA VIDEO SHOWS COPS ‘CATCHING’ CHAOTIC TEENS AS BUSINESSES COLLAPSE: ‘THEY’RE COMING TO FIGHT’
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Polk County Schools Superintendent Fred Heid announced Thursday that 24 students have been arrested for making written threats since the beginning of the school year. (Polk County Schools YouTube)
Now Judd is upping the ante and warning that he will hold the parents of teens who participate in social media videos accountable if necessary.
“Mom and dad, if you don’t hold them personally responsible, make sure they are at home, then we will lock you up too or charge you in a civil manner,” he said.
“But parents, hold your children accountable so we don’t have to do this,” Sheriff Judd said. “If you hold us accountable, we’ll hold them accountable, but then we’ll hold you accountable, too. Think about that. So have a good summer.”
Authorities arrested 22 people during a juvenile takeover at Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa, Florida, on May 8, 2026. (Tampa Police Department)
Judd’s message comes at a time when cities across the country are facing teenage takeovers, causing chaos.
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Polk County has a juvenile curfew, which is for youth under the age of 17. The curfew is from 23:00 to 06:00 Sunday through Thursday and from midnight to 06:00 Friday and Saturday. For 17-year-olds, it is midnight to 6 a.m. every day.
In Hillsborough County, which is next door to Polk County, police announced they arrested 22 people, ages 12 to 21, in a juvenile seizure on May 8.
Officers from the department were then dispatched to the scene and deployed aerial patrols to silence the youths; Body camera footage showed the chaotic moment when police officers rushed to the scene and began making arrests during the takeover of teens on Friday, May 8, 2026, in Tampa, Florida. (Tampa Police Department)
The Tampa Police Department immediately responded with patrol officers, bicycle units, and Air Service personnel to maintain order and ensure the safety of the surrounding community.
“This type of reckless and criminal behavior will not be tolerated in our city,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said. he said.
“What started as a large gathering quickly turned into mayhem and activities that put others at risk. Parents need to know where their children are and who they are with. Unfortunately, the bad decisions these 22 people made last night could have lasting consequences that will follow them into adulthood,” he said.
As a result of the operation, 22 people were arrested for affray, drug possession, nonviolent resistance and illegal possession of weapons. Police seized two firearms and a vehicle in connection with the incident.
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The growing crisis has prompted the top federal prosecutor in the nation’s capital to call for greater accountability in youth crime rehabilitation; as his office focuses on strengthening enforcement and increasing staff numbers.
“Youth violence is on the rise — not just in DC, but across the country. And if you think these kids need to be pampered and cuddled — they need to have consequences, they need to understand that enough is enough, we’re going to put them in jail or put them in some kind of youth rehabilitation detention facility, and not allow the DC Council (one of whom I recently accused) to take these kids into care,” Pirro said. he said.
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“It’s time to end this. That’s what the president wants, that’s what we’re going to do.”
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