BRENTWOOD – In anticipation of another large gathering Friday, similar to last week’s disruptive incident that led to multiple arrests, the Brentwood Police Department has implemented various precautionary measures to ensure the community’s safety.
In an advisory issued on Thursday, the department said it was expecting a significant number of people for a meet up Friday at Lone Tree Plaza that has been promoted on social media.
Among the safety measures taken are the deployment of additional law enforcement personnel throughout key areas “out of an abundance of caution” to deter unlawful activities.
“Local businesses have been contacted to encourage situational awareness and cooperation, with recommendations to report any concerns promptly to authorities,” said the department.
Brentwood police also encouraged parents and guardians to “have open conversations with their children” about expectations for appropriate and lawful behavior while unsupervised in public spaces.
“Responsible conduct is expected from all individuals,” noted the department.
The department said that such incidents are not isolated to Brentwood, noting there has been a spike in similar large gatherings across cities nationwide.
The advisory, said the police, was issued to provide “transparency around pre-planning efforts” and to “encourage responsible behavior” from all walks of the community.
“The Brentwood Police Department is grateful for the continued support of our community. The safety and quality of life for all residents remain our top priority,” said the department. “By working together, we can ensure that public spaces remain safe, welcoming, and respectful for everyone.”
At around 3:30 p.m. on July 12, more than 300 juveniles swarmed the Streets of Brentwood, an open-air shopping center located off Highway 4 and Sand Creek Road. The situation eventually turned chaotic, prompting some stores to close early.
The same day, ABC7 News reported that Alameda County also had hundreds of youths who descended at the South Shore Center parking lot. It reportedly ended in fights, with two taken to the hospital.