MAYFIELD, Ohio-Mayfield Heights Police Chief Anthony Mele expressed frustration with the juvenile court system and annual church festivals after 200 juveniles attended the St. Clare Church Festival in Lyndhurst on June 1, resulting in multiple fights that spilled over into Mayfield Heights, causing several businesses to close early.
Mele called for the juvenile courts to send a message that such behavior won’t be tolerated, but he doubts any action will be taken. Ten teenagers are facing charges in Mayfield Heights, while Lyndhurst Police confirmed no arrests. A call reported a teenager allegedly armed with a gun at the fair, leading to a police recovery of a gun off church property. Four businesses in Mayfield Heights had to close due to the crowds. Nine officers were on duty that night, but Mele stated more would have been needed due to the large number of juveniles and fights.
