Violent teens clash with cops at NJ carnival prompting officials to cancel beloved yearly event
Unruly teens violently overwhelmed a New Jersey community carnival, sparking several fights and cursing out police officers, forcing organizers to prematurely shutter the beloved annual event.A large gathering of “unsupervised juveniles” descended onto the Maple Shade Tigers Youth Football Carnival at JFK Memorial Field in Maple Shade, NJ, on May 1, inundating the yearly gathering to fundraise for the youth sport organization, according to township officials.“Officers on scene, along with event organizers, directed those involved and other unruly individuals to leave the carnival grounds in an attempt to restore order and maintain public safety,” Maple Shade officials said.“As a result of the incident, the carnival was closed for the remainder of the evening.”The delinquents weren’t ousted without a fight, causing problems with officials at the carnival about 15 miles east of Philadelphia.“They were cursing at police officers.
They were clearly trying to provoke physical confrontations with cops,” Maple Shade Police Department Lt.Daniel O’Brien told 6 ABC Philadelphia.Police say several teens were charged but didn’t reveal the alleged crimes, according to the outlet.One witness described the mass exodus as a “herd of kids” being escorted by cops, according to the outlet.Large swarms of teens were seen on video posted online getting into fights and sprinting down the streets of the neighborhood.One clip captured police officers chasing some of the hooligans as night fell on the Burlington County enclave.Rumors began to spread online about weapons being brought into the carnival, but Maple Shade Police could not verify the reports, and no weapons were recovered from the scene.
Because of the Friday night mayhem, the second night of the carnival was also canceled.“We recognize that this decision is not made lightly.The Maple Shade Tigers Youth Football Carnival is a valued tradition that supports a dedicated youth sports organization and ...