A PTA-sponsored hayride in a quiet New Jersey town descended into chaos when police were forced to intervene after hundreds of unruly teens began fighting in a local park and wreaking havoc.
The Collingswood Police Department shared in a Facebook post that the Family Haunted Hayride in Knight Park required police to intervene after approximately 200 minors were dropped off at Knight Park in Collingswood, New Jersey.
“The event was quickly disrupted by fights breaking out, primarily between arriving youth, and unruly behavior,” the department said.
Authorities said the out-of-control behavior began shortly after 8:20 p.m. on Oct. 19, with young adults “running recklessly through the crowd and lining up for the hayride.”
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Autumn is here! It's time for a fun ride! (iStock)
Police officers dispersed the rowdy children to “ensure the safety of the families who attended the event,” police said.
However, it was decided that there was no safe way to continue the hayride event, so police shut down the Halloween event.
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But the night wasn't over for the wild teens. Police said between 50 and 70 minors took over the local gas station, Wawa.
“While officers were dispersing the crowd in the park, a call came in reporting an incident at Wawa on Haddon Avenue, in which between 50 and 70 juveniles took over the store,” police said. “Officers were able to assist Wawa in dispersing the group of youths who were stealing items and causing a disturbance.”
Wawa was also forced to close to prevent further damage, police said.
Nationwide Children's Hospital recommends reading and explaining posted carriage ride rules to your children, listening to the operators, and remaining seated throughout the ride. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)
Chaos continued throughout residential yards, police said.
“When officers arrived at the park, they discovered that approximately 80 juveniles were involved in a massive fight and were met with resistance from the youths who were punching, kicking and pushing the officers to continue fighting,” police said. “Some young people broke away from the main group and began running through nearby residential yards.”
Police officers eventually dispersed the crowd and restored order. No arrests were made, the department said.
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In a Facebook post, staff at the Collingswood Haunted Hayride event said “the evening was beyond what we could have hoped for.”
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“Unfortunately, as everyone saw and realized, much of the evening went beyond what could have been expected, but with feedback and awareness we will review and organize to determine a way forward next year,” wrote the carriage ride on Facebook. “We appreciate your support and without it our event could not happen.”
