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Parents Launch 'Manhattan Beach Safe Space' Campaign

Jun 26, 2021 08:28AM ● By Jeanne Fratello
A group of Manhattan Beach parents whose young teenagers were victims of an assault at Metlox Plaza have launched a campaign for businesses to show they are "safe spaces" for youth needing assistance.

The parents have partnered with Nick's Manhattan Beach to create stickers that say "Manhattan Beach Safe Space" that businesses can put on their windows. The stickers will indicate that the business is a place where a child could find a helpful adult in case of emergency. 

Volunteers will be on hand to promote the campaign and distribute the stickers at Metlox at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.

At press time, more than 55 local businesses had already committed to posting a sticker, parent Aimee Kirby told DigMB.


Assault Remains Unsolved


According to a statement given by parents, the group of middle school students were attacked in Metlox Plaza at around 9:00 p.m on June 12. The attackers are said to have been two men and one woman. One of the students required medical attention, and several items were stolen.

"During the attack, one of the boys sought help from local businesses and residents to stop the attack and call 911. Sadly, with the quick and frantic nature of the scene, it wasn't easy to find anyone to help," the parents wrote in the statement. 

The incident has been widely discussed - and speculated about - on local social media platforms.

The Manhattan Beach Police Department has said the incident is under investigation. 

Manhattan Beach Police Chief Derrick Abell referenced the incident at the June 15 City Council meeting. 

"We are well aware of this and we are investigating it actively as we speak. We will identify those individuals and hold them accountable for their actions," said Abell.

However, Abell added, "I appreciate that people want to know [more details] but I would caution you in sharing information out there that has not been and vetted, researched, and verified."

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