Tampa Police Arrest 22 Following ‘Teen Takeover’ at Curtis Hixon Park News Tampa Police TAMPA, FL. (May 9, 2026) - - Tampa Officers arrested 22 people between the ages of 12[...]

TAMPA, FL. (May 9, 2026) - - Tampa Officers arrested 22 people between the ages of 12 and 21, as part of a teen takeover Friday night.

On May 08, 2026, a large group of teens attempted a takeover in the area of Curtis Hixon Park, causing significant disruptions, fights, and other issues in the park.

The Tampa Police Department immediately responded with patrol officers, bike units, and Air Service personnel to restore order and ensure the safety of the surrounding community.

"This type of reckless and criminal behavior will not be tolerated in our city," said Chief Lee Bercaw. "What began as a large gathering quickly escalated into disorder and activity that placed others at risk. Parents need to know where their children are and who they are with. Unfortunately, the poor decisions made by these 22 individuals last night could have lasting consequences that follow them well into adulthood. The Tampa Police Department remains committed to being one of the safest major cities in the nation, and we will continue taking strong enforcement action against anyone who threatens the peace and safety of our community."

As a result of the operation, 22 were arrested on charges that included affray, possession of narcotics, resisting without violence, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Officers seized two firearms and one vehicle connected to the disturbance.

See below for the names and charges of those arrested.

• 12-year-old King-Ray Neal (black male): Affray
• 13-year-old Amariauna Couzens (black female): Affray
• 13-year-old Anthony Keenan (black male): Affray, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drugs Without a Prescription
• 13-year-old Austin Mann (black male): Affray
• 13-year-old Khyree Walton (black male): Affray
• 13-year-old Mi'khy Wells (black male): Affray
• 13-year-old Roshad Richardson (black male): Possession of a Controlled Substance and Affray
• 14-year-old Jerrod White (black male): Affray
• 14-year-old Termaine Brown Newton (black male): Affray and Resisting an Officer With Violence (ROWV)
• 15-year-old Armani Polite (black male): Affray and ROWV
• 15-year-old Josiah McClinton (black male): Affray
• 15-year-old Malik Jordan (black male): ROWV
• 15-year-old Michael Balkaran (black male): Affray
• 16-year-old Cedric Wilson (black male): Affray and Resisting an Officer With Violence (ROWV)
• 16-year-old Chaucey Williams (black male): Affray, ROWV, and Possession of a Controlled Substance
• 16-year-old Tonae Gray Mitchell (black female): Affray and ROWV
• 17-year-old Kaji Elder (black male): ROWV
• 17-year-old Zantwann Baldwin (black male): Possession of a Controlled Substance and Obstructing a Highway
• 18-year-old Rodrico Boyd (white male): Possession of a Controlled Substance and Drug Paraphernalia
• 20-year-old Don McAllister (black male): Possession of Cannabis Under 20g, Possession of Cannabis Sativa Resin, and Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
• 20-year-old Michael Ashford (black male): Fleeing to Elude and ROWV
• 21-year-old Yarli Smith (black male): Affray

With summer quickly approaching, the growing "takeover" trend has become a concern for communities across the country - not just in Tampa. Locally, we remain committed to supporting long-standing summer safety initiatives designed to keep young people engaged, connected, and safe.

Programs such as PAL's Midnight Basketball and Stay and Play provide extended evening hours at select city parks, giving teens safe spaces to gather, stay active, and build positive relationships with mentors who offer guidance and support throughout the summer months. Additional information about Stay and Play is available on the Stay and Play page.

To view body-worn camera footage and air service footage: https://youtu.be/PBeKmPY-hv4