Prince George's County extending juvenile curfew to the end of 2022
Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks has announced the county will be extending the juvenile curfew to the end of the year after implementing it last month.
The curfew was put in place on Sept. 9 in an effort to address the record deadly month of August. Under the curfew, those under 17 years old have to be home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday to Thursday and just before midnight (11:59 p.m.) to 5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays unless there is some kind of exemption. Otherwise, the juvenile has to be with an adult.
The curfew was originally set to expire this week.
Curfew to go into effect amid violence in Prince George's County
The curfew comes after a District 15-year-old was killed and was among 11 people shot in Prince George’s this Labor Day weekend. The Police Chief confirmed today that August was actually the county’s deadliest in three decades. This curfew, starting this weekend, will last for 30 days, the Prince George's county executive said those under 17-years-old will have to be home between 10PM and 5AM Monday to Thursdays – and just before midnight to 5AM on Fridays and Saturdays unless there’s some kind of exemption. Guardians will get a warning and then it goes to fines – from $50 to $250. The child could be released to social services if the Guardian doesn’t respond.
READ MORE: Prince George’s County instituting youth curfew to combat crime
The curfew announcement comes after a D.C. 15-year-old killed, was among 11 people shot in Prince George’s County this Labor Day 2022 weekend.
Alsobrooks said juvenile arrests more than doubled from this time last year with around 430 youths arrested. The county executive noted 34 of the 84 juveniles arrested for carjacking this year had a prior gun or violent offense.
FOX 5 requested the figures behind the percentages provided - along with the figures from last year, so we can compare stats. We’ll be sure to share those details as soon as it becomes available.
In a statement, Prince George's County State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy said, "I applaud the County Executive’s efforts to keep our children safe. My office will continue to work with the administration and other stakeholders to reduce crime, protect victims, hold offenders accountable and to provide a firm and restorative justice system."
"Together, we will address the many issues that contribute to the rise in crime - including, truancy, homelessness, mental and behavioral health issues and most of all the ever increasing gap in hope and opportunity," she added.
This is a developing story. Check back with FOX 5 for updates.