Police target skateboarders
STRUTHERS -- City police are cracking down on skateboarders, particularly at the Fifth Street Plaza, where city officials say they are a continuing problem for businesses.
Police Chief Robert Norris said signs are posted advising that skateboarding is illegal at the plaza. Police have warned skateboarders and told them to leave, all to no avail.
As a result, Norris ordered police to cite violators and confiscate their boards. Juveniles will be cited in the Martin P. Joyce Juvenile Justice Center, and their parents will be contacted and told how they can retrieve the skateboards.
Police said punishment is up to the juvenile court judge. Detectives said a typical fine is $100 plus $75 in court costs.
The number of offenses within a year can escalate the offense from a minor misdemeanor to a fourth-degree misdemeanor, which can result in jail time. Also, detectives said parents can be cited for failing to control their children.