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N.C. teen arrested, accused of trying to urge a riot via social media

Posted at 8:08 PM, Apr 28, 2015
and last updated 2015-04-28 20:10:32-04

GREENSBORO, NC — As Baltimore works to gain back its streets after a series of riots, a teen in Greensboro was arrested for trying to incite a riot, using social media.

Tony LaShon Cleveland, was arrested Tuesday night, after police said he was encouraging followers to meet at a mall to loot stores and attack police this weekend.

A screenshot emailed to FOX8 of the flier allegedly created by Cleveland.

A screenshot emailed to FOX8 of the flier allegedly created by Cleveland.

North Carolina General Statute states that it is a class 1 misdemeanor for any person to willfully incite or urge another to engage in a riot, so that as a result of such inciting or urging a riot to occur or a clear and present danger of a riot is created.

The Greensboro Police heard about the teen’s post after concerned citizens reached out, according to WGHP, who posted a screenshot of the flier allegedly created by Cleveland.

The  page was disabled shortly before 5 p.m., police said. Detectives found that the posts were connected to the teen, who is currently on an electronic monitoring for a breaking and entering charge.

We are grateful to every person who let us know about this growing threat,” said Police Chief Wayne Scott, to WGHP. “The speed and volume of the calls, posts, and emails that came in send a strong message that the people of this city will not tolerate violence. We hope their voices — and this arrest — discourage everyone from committing these types of crimes.”

He also said that police are prepared if an incident were to occcur and that they are taking proactive measures to prevent such a disturbance.