More than 300 teenagers gathered in the Flossmoor Hills neighborhood late Saturday, May 31, blocking streets and disturbing neighbors, according to Flossmoor police.

Police said several streets were temporarily affected, including Oak Court, Central Park Avenue, Elm Street, Cherry Hill Drive and Elm Court. 

There were no fights, no injuries and no reports of vandalism or other property damage, according to Police Chief Carl Estelle. No citations were written.

Police received the first call at 10:35 p.m. and officers were in the area for about two hours, he said.

Estelle noted that situations like the one Saturday often begin as smaller parties, “but they can quickly grow out of control through social media and texting, leading to unsafe behavior or public disturbances,” he said.

“As we head into warmer months, the likelihood of large gatherings such as this one will increase, and these events are not unique to Flossmoor,” Estelle said. “We were fortunate that Saturday’s event was dispersed peacefully. The Police Department would like residents to understand how to stay safe and how to respond appropriately should this sort of happening recur in our community.”

Call 911 immediately if you witness any of the following:

• Individuals damaging property.
• Fights or aggressive behavior.
• Individuals jumping on vehicles or trespassing.
• Loud, disorderly conduct spilling into streets or yards.

Stay indoors and remain calm. Keep your family and pets inside and avoid drawing attention to your property. Secure your property by locking doors and windows, closing your garage door, and bringing in any valuables from outside.

Document from a safe distance. If safe to do so, record video or take photos that may help law enforcement, but do not put yourself at risk.

Do not engage or confront the group. These situations can escalate quickly, and some individuals may be unpredictable.

Do not attempt to break up the gathering yourself. Leave that to trained law enforcement personnel.

Do not circulate unverified information online. Misinformation can cause unnecessary panic and hinder response efforts. Share official updates from trusted sources only.

“By staying alert, prepared and informed, our residents can help us maintain the safety and quality of life in our neighborhoods,” Estelle said. “Parents, we ask that you please also speak to your teens about avoiding large, unsanctioned gatherings this summer.”

Call the Flossmoor Police Department’s non-emergency line, 708-957-4500, extension 2 to report a potential teen party location or suspicious activity.