St. Louis police bust planned street takeover, detain 41 juveniles in July 4 operations 

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department disrupted a planned street takeover and detained dozens of juveniles during Fourth of July operations in the city.

Officers arrested nine adults and detained four juveniles before they could carry out a coordinated takeover near Wilmore Park.

Police said organizers promoted the event online and offered cash to anyone willing to block officers.

Detectives seized nine vehicles and recovered two firearms. One of the guns had a conversion device, making it fully automatic.

Police Chief Robert Tracy said proactive work prevented the takeover from happening.

“Street takeovers are dangerous, illegal and place participants, spectators and innocent motorists at risk,” Tracy said. “Our officers and detectives worked proactively to prevent this event from occurring and will continue to identify, investigate and hold accountable those who organize or participate in this type of criminal activity.”

Police also enforced a curfew, detaining 41 juveniles and taking them to a “reunification center,” where parents were given citations.

The youngest detained was 13 years old. Only 11 of the 41 juveniles live in St. Louis. The rest traveled from surrounding areas.

Eight of the juveniles had illegal fireworks, and one was arrested for petty larceny.

“Public safety is a shared responsibility,” Tracy said. “We are asking parents and guardians to know where their children are, who they are with and what they are doing. The curfew is intended to keep young people safe and prevent situations that can lead to crime, victimization or injury.”

The department responded to approximately 250 fireworks-related calls across St. Louis between July 4-5.