Lake Co. Summer Festival Closed After 'Unruly' Incidents, 4 Arrests, Police Say

Lina Portman4 weeks ago

0 1 minute read

CONCORD TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WOIO) – An increase in “unruly” incidents at the annual Saint Gabriel Parish Festival on Saturday resulted in multiple arrests and an early closure, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office .

While on duty at the festival, Lake County Sheriff's deputies reportedly became overwhelmed by the “unruly crowds” of juveniles and young adults and requested assistance from the State Highway Patrol Ohio, Mentor Police Department, Painesville Police Department, Kirtland Hills Police Department and Lake Metroparks. Rangers to help them.

The entire festival was shut down prematurely to prevent any escalation, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office said the “volatile atmosphere” persisted in surrounding neighborhoods as the festival crowd dispersed where four arrests were made.

One arrest was for possession of a firearm, according to a Facebook post from the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

A deputy was slightly injured while helping to respond, according to the post.

All of the people arrested and identified by Lake County Sheriff's deputies as being connected to the incidents were apparently not parishioners of St. Gabriel's or residents of Concord Township or Lake County.

According to a message from the church, the festival will continue on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., but without rides.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office said security would be increased further on Sunday.