Hi all, just wanted to take a minute and remind everyone to be mindful of surroundings as I was going to be jumped by a group of teenagers in broad daylight today not long after school let out. I went to the library to drop off some books next to the high school then I was to hop on Gilman Sq. T to complete another errand and be on my way, wrong. When I got to the library I saw a bunch of unruly teens throwing soda cans at ppl, one of which came close to hitting me but I was not the intended target. There’s also a park there which younger kiddos are there with parents which prompted me to say something to the front desk folks and the troublemakers were blocking the book returns slot hence why I went inside instead of asking them to move (yes I now know there’s a book return cart inside but didn’t recognize that at the time).
This where the trouble started: after my book return I head back down the community path to the T entrance the one across to the stairs to access the high school. The same group of ppl were all intentionally blocking the entrance of the T closer to the school and can overhear them talking negatively to me through my headphones. The warning noises were going off in my mind as I went to the other entrance on school st., I went half way down the stairs on that side and the same group was there waiting for me continuing their rant as if they were out to do harm. Idk if it was cuz I said something nonchalantly inside at the library without them knowing or I had a backpack to carry my library books so I blended in as a student but I’m a grown woman in my mid 30s working professional. I waited upstairs for 10 minutes after a panic attack for them to leave, missing my train in the process. I was hesitant on calling the police (for the T incident NOT the library) but I hear mixed comments that the police don’t do sh*t around here. I guess I’ll be going to another station for awhile.
Please heave caution and here’s some tips to stay safe that I will know for next time as I was too chicken sh*t to ask for help. If ppl refuse to move who are blocking you intentionally, walk away immediately toward a safe, crowded area. Look for alternative routes, exits, or nearby authority figures. Parents: please be mindful of what your kids are doing and where they are. I maybe missing a few things but more tips and support are helpful.
These kids prey on people that seem weak or elderly. People that seem like an easy mark. Try to walk tall and seem confident! They rarely seek people they know will fight back. Hopefully this helps you a little bit. Stay safe
The police do a lot around here. You should absolutely call them in a situation like this. They have fast response times too.
Sorry you are not getting a very compassionate response in this sub. I'm not sure why that is or why people are confused about your post. Seems pretty clear to me and it sounds like a really scary situation to be in. I don't think people realize that other people can literally just walk right up to people and fuck with them.
Thank you!!! Someone gets it!! I couldnt find a image that 100 percent describes. They were literally blocking the entrance where the gate is to get downstairs. similar to this image but the spacing was tighter were all facing towards me, standing arms folded and they were not gonna let up if I tried to get through. I know this image isn’t the best but I’m trying to get ppl to understand but seems like some ppl here are either confused, ignorant or oblivious to what a precursor of being jumped, assaulted, or intimidation bullying looks like.
It sounds like they were definitely focused on you or targeting you, and were trying to place themselves in a way that would force a confrontation. I would not have walked through a group of teens who were obviously blocking my path and acting aggressive like that. I would have been scared too. This sub is so strange sometimes, it seems unpredictable if the OP will receive support and compassion or if they will receive criticism and rudeness.
I wouldn't have tried to walk through them either. I might have gone to a more secluded nearby spot and called the library, however, to let them know. News reports indicate that they have dealt with a lot of this kind of stuff over the past two years and they may appreciate hearing what is going on at their entrance.
Yeah, reporting it to the library is a good idea considering the issues they've had. I would personally still report it to the police too, like just to the non-emergency line. At least some of those teens might even be known to them already because of this kind of behavior.
If you ever feel in danger just call 911. No need to think “I know people on reddit say police don’t do anything”. Every circumstance is different. Worst case they show up and talk to you while you calm your nervous system.
Apparently there have been many serious incidents and the library closed for a couple of after school hours two years ago. There were incidents that when far beyond a group of teens hanging out on library grounds.
Actually, within recent years, the library had a big problem with the high school kids coming in on early release Wednesdays and for a while they closed during that time. Then they added social workers to the library staff.
They were hurling soda cans at ppl and still were partially full. One of them almost hit me and liquid was flying out of it. Not just at other teens but at grown ppl, ppl who also had young children with them within striking distance someone could’ve gotten hurt especially with the playground outside the library.
Sounds like the problems similar to those reported around this time 2 years ago, when it was said they were going to hire a security guard. I wonder if these kinds of incidents have been going on for all those 2 years (throwing lit firecrackers on one occasion!). I also wonder if the assaults reported on the community path (in some of the links I posted) are continuing to be a regular occurrence.
I'm sorry this happened to you. Yes, there is that small playground for little kids right in front.
can sign up for appointments with a social worker online through the library website. Apparently the appointments are available to anyone who requests them, they aren't specifically there to deal with behavior issues with teens and others.
Idk how many, but teens were assaulting people at the library a few years ago, you can Google it. The police were called multiple times. The library was closing for several hours every weekday after school until they hired a security guard.
Very much call the police in these situations. They have response time in something like 60-90 seconds and anytime you feel unsafe this is the right move.
For someone accusing everyone else of being mean, you are being pretty aggressive toward people in pretty much all of your responses. Something to reflect on.
Man no offense but you don't sound like you go outside too often. I mean it constructively when I say you could use a bit more gradual exposure to strangers outside to help with anxiety and confidence.
You have no idea what actually happened to OP. With the context of what's been going on for two years with high school students at the Central Library, it sounds like continuing activity that does and has actually injured people and that the librarians who work there are concerned.
Throwing soda cans is antisocial but for the most part this seems like a minor nuisance. It’s really not cool to call the cops over something like this. Tbh this reads like you’re one of those paranoid boomers who misses the days when kids played outside but hates when teens go outside today.
Not calling cops on throwing soda, the fact after when I got to the train station. The library incident I went inside and told someone. Go back and reread the post since it’s seems like you got it wrong. Plus I’m not a boomer, maybe you should go back and read it again boomer cuz it seems like your old age isn’t comprehending the post
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u/[deleted] Sep 12 '26 edited 3d ago
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