FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — After fights involving a crowd of roughly 250 teenagers led to two arrests near local restaurants, Fairview Heights Police reminded parents and teenagers ahead of Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, that officers would monitor the area to prevent further disturbances.
The department’s message followed incidents after football games on Oct. 2, 2026, and Sept. 25, 2026. Fairview Heights Police said they would work to maintain a safe environment for businesses, employees and customers.
Fights broke out Oct. 2 near Raising Cane’s, Taco Bell and surrounding businesses on North Illinois Street. Two juvenile brothers were arrested, and a parent was charged with failure to supervise.
On Sept. 25, a juvenile was arrested for having a firearm and ammunition in a backpack outside a football stadium, police said.
Police said teenagers gathering to eat and spend time with friends after football games and other events were not the problem.
“The problem begins when large groups congregate at businesses and in parking lots without patronizing those businesses, interfere with customers, block parking lots or traffic, refuse to leave private property when directed, start fights, damage property, or engage in other behavior that creates an unsafe environment,” police said.
Officers will make arrests or issue citations when appropriate for fighting, disorderly conduct, trespassing, property damage and other criminal activity, according to the message. Police said vehicles also may be towed or impounded when legally authorized.
Cell phones may be seized as evidence when legally authorized, particularly if they are believed to contain evidence related to criminal activity, police said.
“Our objective is not to arrest teenagers,” police said. “It is to prevent another situation like the one we experienced this past weekend and maintain a safe environment for businesses, employees, customers, and everyone else in the area.”
The department urged teenagers to follow lawful directions from officers, leave private property when directed and avoid interfering with businesses or their customers.
Police also asked parents to discuss where their teenagers are going, who they are with and what behavior is expected. The message warned parents that they would be cited if their teenager was arrested.
“We would much rather have your help preventing these problems than meet you at the Police Department afterward,” police said.
