Teen takeovers spark chaos nationwide
Teen violence is wreaking havoc throughout U.S. cities like Norfolk, VA, and Washington, D.C., prompting officials to enforce curfews and consider making parents responsible for their children’s misdeeds as youth crime rates climb.
Charges against college students accused of orchestrating a recent beach “takeover” have been unexpectedly dismissed.
The Delaware Department of Justice has decided to drop these charges, citing a lack of evidence, as announced by Attorney General Kathy Jennings, according to FOX29 Philadelphia.
Earlier this month, it was reported that the Rehoboth Beach Police Department arrested four students from Delaware State University. The students, 19-year-old Xander Nicholl, 21-year-old Angelin Clauvil, 21-year-old Eric Barnett, and 22-year-old Keyon Scott, faced accusations of facilitating a riot and engaging in a second-degree conspiracy.
Despite a heat advisory from the National Weather Service, visitors were seen relaxing on Rehoboth Beach in Delaware on Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Mingson Lau)
Turmoil erupted as hundreds of young individuals flocked to the beach and boardwalk on May 19, following the promotion of the alleged “takeover” event on social media.
The event led to several arrests for illegal drug use, underage drinking and disorderly conduct among others, with businesses shutting down early.
When the state DOJ dropped the charges, the City of Rehoboth Beach did not get the memo.
Photo shows beachgoers on popular Rehoboth Beach boardwalk (Kelsie Cairns)
“The City of Rehoboth Beach has not been contacted by the Department of Justice regarding reports that charges arising from the May 19 beach takeover incident have been dismissed,” a spokesperson for the City of Rehoboth Beach told News Media in a statement. “Based on our current understanding, it does not appear that all relevant facts and circumstances have yet been fully reviewed. As such, we believe further explanation regarding the reported disposition of these charges would be beneficial to both the City and the public. In addition, the City has reached out to Fleur McKendall of the NAACP to arrange a meeting and discuss these matters. At this time, we have not yet received a response but remain willing to engage in a constructive dialogue.”
Visitors enjoy the shore at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. (Mark Makela/Getty Images)
Both the Delaware DOJ and NAACP Delaware State Conference of Branches did not immediately respond to News Media’s request for comment.
News Media has also reached out to Nicholl, Clauvil, Scott and Barnett for comment.
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