Over a dozen Danvers residents express concerns about teenagers terrorizing their community

A group of teenagers have repeatedly harassed and assaulted several members of the Danvers, Mass. community; several residents spoke before the town’s Select Board on Tuesday expressing their concerns.

By Kelly Egan

The people of Danvers, Mass., expressed their frustration and fear at a town meeting last night about a group of teenagers who have been harassing members of their community. 

The teenagers allegedly live at Plains Park in the center of the town. The group has reportedly been seen spitting, throwing rocks, and threatening people, as well as driving their bikes in the middle of ongoing traffic.

The teens have also assaulted several members of the community; one confirmed victim being Danvers resident Chris Anderson this past weekend.  

Anderson is an established and beloved member of the Danvers community with developmental disabilities. He was assaulted by the teenagers on Saturday in such severity that he was transported to Beverly Hospital to be treated for his injuries. 

At the Danvers town meeting last night, over a dozen residents, including Anderson,  went before the Select Board to communicate their concerns. Anderson got emotional while sharing the story of his attack, “In my life, I was scared to death of those kids,” Anderson said.

Danvers residents directed their anger towards the town police for not taking enough action to stop the teenagers when the attacks were first reported. Police and school resource officers are presently investigating the issue.