A McDonald's employee in Lynn was punched repeatedly and pinned against the drive-through window Friday night as a crowd of teenagers swarmed the Boston Street restaurant, according to video of the attack. Lynn police are investigating two separate incidents involving large groups of teenagers over the weekend, though officers say only the McDonald's incident involved an actual assault.
The employee is okay, according to a statement from the McDonald's franchisee, as reported by WHDH 7News. The restaurant on Boston Street is operated under the King & Wallin franchisee organization, led by local operator Lindsay Wallin, who manages nine McDonald's locations across Massachusetts' North Shore, according to Itemlive. Video captured teenagers attacking the employee inside the store, and Lynn police have requested information about the incident from the public.
Parents and local reports indicated that the group of 40 to 75 teenagers who thronged the McDonald's had just left a high school football game Friday night nearby, where Swampscott High School defeated Lynn English High School 28-8, according to CBS News. Reports said the crowd came to the restaurant after the game.
Police Confirm a Second, Undisclosed Incident
Lynn police told WHDH 7News they are investigating a second possible gathering involving a large group of teenagers over the weekend, but the location of that gathering has not been disclosed. Police said only the McDonald's incident involved an assault. Lynn resident Charlie Stevens, reacting to the video, told the station the incident was crazy, while another resident, Phillip Howlant, said young people today lack the work ethic and understanding to behave and listen to older people.
City Officials Respond With Concern and Calls for Investment
Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson said he was deeply concerned by the incident and emphasized that the city must address youth disruptions through expanded investments in youth-focused programs and opportunities, per CBS News. Ward 7 City Councilor Jordan Avery urged bystanders not to record or encourage violence for social media entertainment, while Councilor-at-Large Nicole McClain called for youth accountability alongside expanded community support, according to Itemlive.
City Councilor Fred Hogan noted this was not the city's first recent youth disruption, pointing to a similar teen takeover during the 34th Annual Shoe City Classic Basketball Tournament at Marian Gardens earlier in the summer, the same CBS News report noted. Resident Stephanie Santiago attributed the hype to social media.
How Juvenile Case Files Are Handled
Juvenile delinquency case files are not open to the public at the courthouse.
The Greater Boston Legal Services booklet distinguishes youthful-offender files, which are open at the courthouse until sealed, from juvenile delinquency files. Separately, under Chapter 265, Section 13A, simple assault and battery carries a maximum statutory penalty of 2.5 years in a house of correction, per Mass.gov.
For now, police are still asking the public for tips as they work to sort out exactly what happened at both teen gatherings Friday night.
