A PTA-sponsored hayride in a quiet New Jersey town descended into chaos as police had to step in when hundreds of rowdy teens started fighting in a local park, causing mayhem.
The Collingswood Police Department shared in a Facebook post that the family-friendly Haunted Hayride in Knight Park required police intervention after over 200 juveniles were dropped off at Knight Park in Collingswood, New Jersey.
“The event was quickly disrupted by fights breaking out, mostly among arriving youths, and disorderly behavior,” stated the department.
Authorities reported that the unruly behavior started around 8:20 p.m. on Oct. 19, with young adults “running recklessly through the crowd and cutting in line for the hay ride.”
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Autumn is here! It’s time to take a fun hayride! (iStock)
Police had to disperse the unruly teens to “ensure the safety of the families attending the event,” according to the police statement.
However, it was determined that there was no safe way to continue the hayride event, so the police decided to shut down the Halloween event.
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Nevertheless, the night was not over for the rowdy teens as 50–70 juveniles took over a local gas station, Wawa.
“While officers were dispersing the park crowds, a call came in reporting an incident at Wawa on Haddon Avenue, involving 50–70 juveniles taking over the store,” explained the police. “Officers managed to assist Wawa in dispersing the group of juveniles who were stealing items and causing a disturbance.”
Wawa also had to close down to prevent further damage, as per the police report.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital recommends reading and explaining posted hayride rules to your children, listening to operators and staying seated throughout the ride. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)
The chaos continued into residential yards, stated the police.
“Upon arrival at the park, approximately 80 juveniles were involved in a major fight and police encountered resistance from youths punching, kicking, and pushing past the officers to continue fighting,” police detailed. “Some juveniles broke away from the main group and began running through nearby residential backyards.”
Police eventually managed to disperse the crowd and restore order. No arrests were made, the department confirmed.
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In a Facebook post, event staff at the Collingswood Haunted Hayride event expressed that the “evening was beyond what we could have expected.”
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“Unfortunately, as everyone saw and realized, a lot of the evening was beyond what could have been expected, but with the feedback and awareness we will review and organize to determine a way to move into next year,” the hayride wrote on Facebook. “We appreciate your support and without it our event could not happen.”
