Community Responds To Agg-Town Fights

Last week, I discussed the videos being sold showing teens fighting and entitled Agg-Townz Fights 1 and Agg-Townz Fights 2. The videos were being made and sold by a teen gang in Arlington [the street slang name for Arlington is Agg-Town]. Police learned of the criminal scheme when the filmmakers orchestrated a vicious attack on a 16 year-old, sending him to the hospital. At that time, 5 people were arrested - 4 adults and a 14 year-old.

There has now been a sixth arrest. Last sunday, Arlington police arrested a 16 year-old and took him to the Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center. He was the last person being sought in connection with the assault that hospitalized a youth.

The Arlington Police Department has also declared a zero tolerance policy toward youth fights in an effort to get a handle on this situation. A few days ago, police arrested a 15 year-old and a 16 year-old for fighting at Seguin High School. They also arrested nine teens for being spectators.

Mayor Robert Cluck has announced that Arlington would expand youth programs and activities. He has asked Arlington Parks & Recreation officials to get together and come up with ideas on how this can be done. He also said he would be getting together with civic and church leaders to get their ideas.

Last week at Bowie High School, several hundred parents met with city and police officials to be briefed on the situation. They were warned about how teens are using [or misusing] modern technology. They were also told to be aware of where their kids are, what they are doing, and who they are with. The Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington also held a well-attended community meeting on this subject.

This is an extremely serious situation, and I am glad to see the community of Arlington responding in a serious and appropriate manner. I wish them much success in their efforts. The true measure of a community is in how it reacts to the bad things that happen. There is a long way to go, but Arlington has made a good start on solving this problem.