Chaos erupted at a popular Orlando hotspot after a massive teen “takeover” spiraled out of control—ending with arrests, injuries, and a heavy police response.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, more than 1,000 teenagers flooded ICON Park by around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. What started as a planned meetup quickly turned tense, forcing authorities to step in with a major show of force.
Officials say 54 deputies were dispatched to the scene as fights broke out across the entertainment district. Deputies worked to break up altercations and push crowds out of the area as the situation escalated.
Two deputies were injured during the chaos and taken to a hospital. Thankfully, both were treated and released and are expected to recover.
By the end of the night, nine teens—ranging in age from just 13 to 16—had been arrested. Charges included battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with and without violence, affray, and trespassing after warning.
Sheriff John Mina didn’t hold back when addressing the incident.
“I’m sure a majority of the kids who went there didn’t go there to cause problems, but a lot of them did,” he said during a press conference. “Some of these are very, very serious crimes… it could ruin a young life.”
Authorities say the “takeover” had been circulating on social media ahead of time, and they were already aware it could draw a crowd. Now, officials are urging parents to keep a closer eye on what their kids are seeing online—and where they’re planning to go.
Even more concerning, the sheriff’s office says another similar event is already being planned for May 9 at an undisclosed location. Mina issued a blunt warning: law enforcement will be ready.
“We will have dozens and dozens of deputy sheriffs there,” he said. “We will have transport vans ready to take you away in handcuffs if you break the law.”
Amid the chaos, one of the teens arrested, 14-year-old Tavorian Dade, spoke out about his experience. He told local media he was injured during the incident and claimed he was defending himself in a fight when a deputy tackled him.
Dade said he initially didn’t realize it was a deputy and thought he was being attacked. His grandmother, Tamika Martel, accused the officer of using excessive force, saying the situation could have been handled differently.
“They’re not grown men. They’re children,” she said. “If he had children, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t want nobody to treat his children that way.”
The family says the deputy later apologized, but they still plan to file a formal complaint.
ICON Park—home to attractions like the Orlando Eye—remains one of the city’s busiest entertainment hubs, drawing families and tourists alike. But after this weekend’s chaos, officials are making it clear: the next “takeover” won’t be taken lightly.
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Tavorian Dade’s mother should maybe know where her kids are instead of defending this bs. Your kid wouldn’t have been hurt if he didn’t put himself in that situation, take responsibility. I think they should also charge the parents of these little criminals since they didn’t raise them with respect for others property. So sick of parents trying to turn these things around like it’s the cops fault, they don’t want to have to deal with your BRATS either. All of the parents and kids should spend some time in jail and maybe they will both do what the hell they’re suppose to. I also hope they get the stiffest sentence there is.