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Join Telegram ChannelA PTA-sponsored hayride in a quiet New Jersey town turned into chaos when police were forced to intervene after hundreds of unruly teenagers began fighting in a local park and causing devastation.
The Collingswood Police Department shared in a Facebook post that the family-friendly Haunted Hayride event in Knight Park requested police intervention after approximately 200+ juveniles were dropped off at Knight Park in Collingswood, New Jersey.
“The event was quickly disrupted by fights, largely between young arrivals, and by unruly behavior,” the department said.
Authorities said the out-of-control behavior began shortly after 8:20 p.m. on Oct. 19, with the 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 hay ride! (iStock)
Officers dispersed the unruly children to “ensure the safety of families attending the event,” police said.
However, it was decided that there was no safe way to continue the cart event, so police shut down the Halloween event.
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But the night wasn't over for the wild teens. Police said 50 to 70 juveniles took over the local Wawa gas station.
“While officers were in the process of dispersing the crowd in the park, a call was received reporting an incident at Wawa on Haddon Avenue involving 50 to 70 juveniles occupying the store,” police said. “Officers were able to assist Wawa in dispersing the group of juveniles who were stealing items and causing a disturbance.”
Wawa was also forced to close its doors to prevent further damage, police said.
Nationwide Children's Hospital recommends reading and explaining posted rules for hauling hay to your children, listening to operators and remaining seated throughout the ride. (Virginia Tourist Society)
Chaos continued in residential yards, police said.
“When officers arrived at the park, they found that approximately 80 juveniles were engaged in a massive fight and were met with resistance from the juveniles who were punching, kicking and pushing them for them to continue the fight,” police said. “Some juveniles broke away from the main group and began running into nearby residential yards.”
The police eventually dispersed the crowd and restored order. They made no arrests, the department said.
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In a Facebook post, Collingswood Haunted Hayride event staff said “the evening was beyond what we could have expected”.
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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 to move on to next year,” the hayride wrote on Facebook. “We appreciate your support and without it our event could not take place.”