South Philadelphia carnival increases security after unruly crowd gathers
When police arrived on scene, they found approximately 500 "unruly juveniles" gathered in the streets around the carnival.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A South Philadelphia carnival is increasing its security after a large crowd gathered on Packer Avenue Friday night.
The S.E.Y.A.A. Easter Carnival, run by Houghton Enterprises Inc., is set up on Packer Avenue and 7th Street.
Philadelphia police responded to the area of the carnival at around 7:30 p.m. for reports of a large fight involving juveniles.
When police arrived on the scene, they found approximately 500 "unruly juveniles" gathered in the streets around the carnival.
The carnival was shut down and the crowds were dispersed. The crowd of people spilled into the area of Live Casino and the nearby stadiums.
Police arrested a 14-year-old girl on Darien Street for disorderly conduct, recklessly endangering another person, and possessing an instrument of crime after they discovered a knife.
Houghton Enterprises Inc. announced that no teen under the age of 18 will be permitted inside the carnival unless accompanied by a guardian or has proper identification.
In a Facebook post, Houghton Enterprises Inc. also stated that they will be increasing the amount of Philadelphia police and private security for the duration of the event.
The S.E.Y.A.A. Easter Carnival started on April 6 and runs through April 15.
Luckily, no injuries were reported.
The crowd dispersed just before 10 p.m.
