Gloucester Township Day: annual event disrupted by unruly teenagers and multiple fights

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (WPVI) — An annual event in Gloucester Township, New Jersey, was disrupted by unruly teenagers and multiple fights.

Police said as families waited for the drone light show at the annual Gloucester Township Day event at Veterans Park on Saturday, officers noticed an influx of juveniles and young adults being dropped off at the 'event.

According to them, around 8:40 p.m., around 500 young people began to gather in large groups around the basketball courts, they quickly began fighting and running recklessly through the crowd.

The police quickly made two arrests, but the crowd remained hostile and disorderly.

Additional officers from the Gloucester Township Police Department, as well as surrounding towns, were then called in for additional support.

As police began to disperse the crowd, after the drone show ended, large crowds of miners moved toward a shopping center across the street.

Again, multiple fights continued to break out over the next two hours throughout the mall parking lot.

Police say many of the fighters wore black clothing, covered their faces with hoodies and wore medical-style masks.

Several minors reported being assaulted and at least two reported minor injuries. Both were treated at the scene and released to a parent or guardian.

According to police, while a group of officers were dispersing the crowd, a 33-year-old man drove into a group of officers on a bicycle at high speed, hitting one officer in the back and knocking him to the ground.

The suspect, identified as Ronald Jones of Camden, New Jersey, was arrested for assaulting the officer and was also charged with attempted escape for trying to get rid of his handcuffs as he was being taken back to headquarters of the police.

Two other police officers were also slightly injured while trying to break up one of the fights.

A total of 11 people were arrested, two adult men and nine minors.

Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins said 68 officers were assigned to or responded to the event, and at least 30 mutual aid officers from other agencies responded.

The incident was declared under control around 11:04 p.m. Saturday.

Police say they are continuing their investigation.