6 arrested, Pennsauken event shut down early due to public safety concerns amid unruly groups
Camden County officials told Action News that fights were breaking out at the event.
PENNSAUKEN TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Six people were arrested and a summer event in South Jersey ended early Saturday night amid safety concerns due to unruly crowds, according to police.
The DJ was playing music while people enjoyed the weather, kids were in the jump castle and the fire department sprayed water to cool everyone off Saturday evening during Pennsauken Township's Summer Kick-Off event at the community recreation center on Westfield Avenue.
The police chief says things started to change when multiple large crowds formed at the soccer complex where the event was being held.
The event featured food, music, and fireworks. It was meant to last from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., but officials say it was shut down 15 minutes early due to safety concerns.
Fireworks were also canceled, authorities say.
According to police, multiple large crowds began to form and soon became unruly.
Authorities say they had to request aid from surrounding counties.
Pennsauken's police chief says the unruly behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
Administrators apologized for the inconvenience to attendees but they said safety among the community came first.
Action News spoke to a mother who says she and her three sons went to the event. They left immediately when organizers said it was ending.
"When you're in a mob, anything can happen, so that was my first instinct to get me and my kids out safe and sound," said Kia White from Pennsauken. "Pennsauken police were very organized getting everyone out."
White says she left so quickly, she forgot one of her son's cell phones.
Despite the sudden shutdown, White said most people remained calm, gathered their things and left quickly.
Police say six arrests were made, including four adults and two juveniles.
The adults faced charges of disorderly conduct, failure to disperse, and in one case, resisting arrest.
This event closure and subsequent arrests come just one week after unruly crowds caused chaos at a similar event in Gloucester Township. Police there are still searching for three teenagers they say were captured on video kicking and stomping a defenseless victim.
The Gloucester Twp. incident happened last Saturday during a summer event at Veterans Memorial Park.
Festivities were supposed to include a drone light show. However, police say several fights broke out during the event after hundreds of teenagers showed up at the park.
Gloucester Township police say 12 were arrested and that more arrests could be possible.
