MINNEAPOLIS — The reality of what's unfolded in Dinkytown the last few nights is leaving many University of Minnesota students and parents concerned.
"Causing property damage, assaulting students, assaulting patrons of restaurants," said Marcia Cotter, whose son is a junior at the U.
They are criminal acts that Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara says are being committed by juveniles.
"We suspect that a lot of these kids came in for parties related to the end of the school year," said Chief O'Hara.
But it was a frightening moment captured on video Friday night of a person being assaulted outside Dinkytown Tattoo by a mob of more than a dozen people that has many people talking, and calling for action.
"This, I think, has put a lot of parents over the edge," said Cotter.
Cotter is a U of M parent and board member with the Campus Safety Coalition.
"This was enough and such an unacceptable situation to have happened that people are really wanting to call this what it is so that we can solve the problem, you cannot solve a problem unless you drill down to the very basics," said Cotter.
MPD's O'Hara and University of Minnesota Police Chief Matt Clark said they're addressing that problem by joining forces, in an effort to keep students, university staffers and local businesses safe.
"Literally every day we coordinate on calls that we take, whether it's on or off campus, we coordinate on investigations as well," said Chief Clark. "It's important that the public knows that there was a response, MPD did a great job coordinating that response and it was effective."
Police say at least four teens were cited and six arrested from a group of more than 50 juveniles that congregated Friday night.
"I think we were caught a little bit off guard by the size and scope of the problem last night, but that's not going to happen now," said O'Hara.
State Rep. Mohamud Noor (D) represents the Marcy Holmes neighborhood that includes Dinkytown and applauds the promised crackdown.
“Having had extensive conversations with officials from the University of Minnesota, the City of Minneapolis, and their respective police departments this weekend, I want to thank all those who have worked in a joint effort to keep Dinkytown orderly and safe," Noor said in a released statement. "Dinkytown is a vibrant commercial and residential hub for our community, and I strongly condemn anyone that seeks to disrupt the neighborhood by bringing violence to our streets."
Chief O'Hara said Minneapolis Police are working with several different law enforcement agencies, including the Minnesota State Patrol, to ensure safety in Dinkytown. He said residents can expect to see more police in the area now through the duration of the summer.
Increased police presence will be welcomed by the Campus Safety Coalition, who see what unfolded Friday as what could be a regular occurrence as warmer nights arrive.
"In the summers it's going to start picking up again and I think these last couple of nights was just a good indication of what we're going to be in for if they don't get a hold on this," said Cotter.
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