A fight at McDonald’s closes the restaurant for the afternoon

SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio — The McDonald’s on Mayfield Road decided to close its restaurant this afternoon after South Euclid police responded to a disturbance in late October.

“This has not happened for eighteen years. I haven’t investigated a call like this or been dispatched to a call like this in 18 years,” said South Euclid Police Public Information Officer and School Resource Officer Joe Di Lillo,

On October 22, the police found two injured teenagers in the restaurant and asked them what happened. The employees talked about the fight, because of which they were deprived of tasks. During inquiries, police learned that many of the teenagers had left the restaurant, with some even causing disturbances at other businesses on Mayfield Road.

The dining room in the fast food restaurant is currently closed from 14:30 to 17:30. You can still order from your mobile, but you need to be in the car in the driveway to pick up your food.

South Euclid police said they are grateful to their residents who helped identify the many teenagers involved. “The public did not appreciate such behavior, but they helped us. The community worked with the police department, not against, and got us the information to add to this report to take to juvenile court,” Di Lillo said.

Officers say the juveniles involved were between the ages of 12 and 16. Four were arrested on Oct. 22, two from South Euclid and two from Cleveland. The twelve named juveniles have now been turned over to the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Prosecutor for consideration for charges.

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Some of the teenagers involved attend Brush High School, which is minutes away from the fast food restaurant.

“Also, we contacted the schools and told them, ‘Hey, listen, this zone is closed. Can you pass it on?” We just want to avoid any conflicts with the community, the staff,” Di Lillo said.

The Taco Bell across the street from McDonald’s on Mayfield Road has a sign on the door that reads, “No students from 2:30 to 5 p.m. unless accompanied by an adult.” There is a sign on the speedway next to it that says “Students not allowed”.

Also on Mayfield Road is the Team Couture Youth Centre. Owner and director Donna Brown said she sees teenagers walking Mayfield Road every day after school.

“If they’re not participating in extracurricular sports and activities… what are they doing?” said Brown.

Team Couture is currently accepting students ages 5 to 13 for after-school programs. Students get food, activities and socializing with each other in a safe place.

Brown also sees a need for a safe place for high school students. In response, Brown and her team are launching Teen Nights for students twice a week in January.

Until then, she said, her door is always open for teenagers to come in for a bite to eat or a chat.

“I really hope we can make a difference. We are currently looking for additional space so we can accommodate them right after school,” Brown said.

To connect your kids to Team Couture Youth Center, you can visit them on Instagram @teamcoutureorg or email them at [email protected].

The McDonald’s on Mayfield Road is owned and operated by local company MAK Management. News 5 contacted the management of the IAC and did not receive a response.