Tampa Police Arrest 22 After Park Disturbance

Tampa police arrested 22 individuals ranging in age from 12 to 21 after a large gathering at Curtis Hixon Park escalated into fights and disruptions on Friday night, May 8, 2026.

The incident began as a sizable crowd assembled in the downtown park but quickly turned disorderly, with reports of brawls, traffic interruptions and other disturbances that endangered bystanders and nearby businesses, according to the Tampa Police Department. Officers responded with patrol units, bicycle teams and air support to restore order. Body camera and aerial footage captured police advancing on groups amid the chaos, leading to multiple detentions.

Authorities charged the group with offenses including affray, a misdemeanor for public fighting; possession of narcotics; resisting officers with or without violence; obstructing a highway; fleeing to elude; and unlawful possession of a weapon. Police seized two firearms and one vehicle linked to the event. Only four of those arrested were adults age 18 or older, with the rest being juveniles as young as 12.

"This type of reckless and criminal behavior will not be tolerated in our city," Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in a statement. "What began...