Rowdy Teens Force Haunted Hayride to Shut Down After Chaos Erupts
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October 25, 2024Rowdy Teens Force Haunted Hayride to Shut Down After Chaos Erupts
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The Collingswood PTA sponsored Haunted Hayride in Knight Park required police response when an estimated 200+ juveniles were dropped off by numerous vehicles on the outskirts of Knight Park.
The event was quickly disrupted by fights breaking out, largely between arriving youths, and unruly behavior.
At approximately 8:20 pm, the juveniles and young adults who were dropped off began fighting each other, running recklessly through the crowd and cutting in line for the hayride.
Officers on duty at the event quickly responded, working to disperse the youths and to ensure the safety of the families attending the event.
Additional support from the Collingswood Police Department and mutual aid from surrounding Camden County police agencies were called in due to the volatility of the situation.
To ensure the safety of those in attendance, the decision was made to shut down the hayride and manage the crowds in a safe manner.
Together, the Collingswood Police Department, event organizers, and mutual aid police agencies managed to safely escort families away from the chaos while simultaneously addressing and dispersing the individuals involved in the altercations.
As officers were in the midst of dispersing the park crowds, a call was received reporting an incident at Wawa on Haddon Avenue, involving 50-70 juveniles taking over the store.
Officers were able to assist Wawa with dispersing the group of juveniles who were stealing items and causing a disturbance.
Wawa was closed in order to prevent further damage and theft.
While managing the incident at Wawa, remaining officers at Knight Park requested additional assistance for a group of juveniles fighting at residences along Browning Road.
When officers arrived at the park, they found that roughly 80 juveniles were engaged in a massive fight and were met with resistance from youths punching, kicking and pushing past the officers to continue fighting.
Some juveniles broke away from the main group and began running through nearby residential backyards. Officers were able to disperse the crowd and restore peace.
The Collingswood Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all attendees during special events.
No arrests were made, and the incident remains under investigation.
Unfortunately, this is not the first incident of its kind in Camden County, but Collingswood Police were able to manage this incident, which spanned several locations in town, while keeping everyone safe.
In the end, quick and decisive action taken by the Department and event organizers helped ensure that everyone left the event safely.
Preparations have been in place for public events over the last several months and we have been able to avoid these issues.
The Borough will be reviewing and revising plans for public events given this new riotous trend.
Statement of the Borough of Collingswood regarding incidents from Saturday, October 19
