ATLANTA, GA - Two juveniles are reportedly being charged as adults in connection with what was described as a “takeover” of an Atlanta entertainment district surrounding the Braves' Truist Stadium that occurred earlier in February, with prosecutors accusing the teen suspects of being organizers of the riotous incident.
On February 25th, authorities in Cobb County arrested Tyshawn Jemison and Keyshawn Lee, both 17 years old, on charges of rioting in connection with an alleged takeover of The Battery entertainment district on February 21st. Authorities claim over 100 teens converged at the entertainment district, where initially 17 suspects were taken into custody following various business and public order disruptions, some involving weapons.
Jemison and Lee were booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center for their alleged connection to the incident and were subsequently released after being processed. Lee’s mother, who identified herself as “Big Paris” to local media outlet FOX 5, claims her son is innocent and all he did was “repost a flyer” reportedly advertising the takeover.
“My son never organized anything; he was paid to repost a flyer, that's it,” Paris stated, adding, “He never went to the takeover. They done take my baby to jail because he reposted.”
In response to the riotous antics from earlier in the month, the Cumberland Mall, which sits within The Battery entertainment district, issued a temporary curfew requiring all patrons under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult after 3:00 p.m. when visiting the premises.
A joint statement from The Battery, Cumberland Mall and the Cobb Convention Center further addressed the matter, highlighting while they’re not against teens “having spaces to gather and connect with one another,” the February 21st incident was far divorced from teens hanging out and instead was “organized disruptive behavior” which threatened “the safety and well-being of our guests, residents, businesses, and community members.”
“Rest assured, we will continue to take firm, proactive steps until this destructive and disruptive behavior ends. Finally, an important reminder from our public safety partners – if you see something, say something! Contact your local law enforcement agency with any information,” the joint statement concluded.
On February 25th, authorities in Cobb County arrested Tyshawn Jemison and Keyshawn Lee, both 17 years old, on charges of rioting in connection with an alleged takeover of The Battery entertainment district on February 21st. Authorities claim over 100 teens converged at the entertainment district, where initially 17 suspects were taken into custody following various business and public order disruptions, some involving weapons.
Jemison and Lee were booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center for their alleged connection to the incident and were subsequently released after being processed. Lee’s mother, who identified herself as “Big Paris” to local media outlet FOX 5, claims her son is innocent and all he did was “repost a flyer” reportedly advertising the takeover.
“My son never organized anything; he was paid to repost a flyer, that's it,” Paris stated, adding, “He never went to the takeover. They done take my baby to jail because he reposted.”
In response to the riotous antics from earlier in the month, the Cumberland Mall, which sits within The Battery entertainment district, issued a temporary curfew requiring all patrons under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult after 3:00 p.m. when visiting the premises.
A joint statement from The Battery, Cumberland Mall and the Cobb Convention Center further addressed the matter, highlighting while they’re not against teens “having spaces to gather and connect with one another,” the February 21st incident was far divorced from teens hanging out and instead was “organized disruptive behavior” which threatened “the safety and well-being of our guests, residents, businesses, and community members.”
“Rest assured, we will continue to take firm, proactive steps until this destructive and disruptive behavior ends. Finally, an important reminder from our public safety partners – if you see something, say something! Contact your local law enforcement agency with any information,” the joint statement concluded.
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