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Pittsburgh Takes Steps To Curb Teen Violence

Alex Loy
/
Twitter

  The city is increasing police patrols and bringing back an advisory council to try to prevent violence among rowdy teens, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said Tuesday.

Police made more than a half dozen arrests after several groups of youths gathered Sunday night in Pittsburgh, the final day of the Three Rivers Regatta.

Witnesses said the teens stopped traffic, jumped on vehicles and knocked into bystanders.

Peduto said police believe the youths used social media to track the whereabouts of others they were looking for and to start fights. Along with increased patrols, police also plan to monitor social media and prepare for possible violence, he said.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports a council of community leaders started by former Mayor Tom Murphy in response to 1990s gang violence will also be brought back to try to curb teen crime.

New Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Anthony Hamlet will also be involved.

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