Lake County Sheriff's Office responds to incidents at St. Gabriel Parish Festival – News-Herald

(Metro Creative Connection)

On June 8, Lake County Sheriff's Office deputies on duty at the 36th annual St. Gabriel Parish Festival in Concord Township responded to incidents of unruly behavior, primarily involving juveniles or young adults.

According to a Facebook post from Sheriff Frank Leonbruno, “the numerous altercations and accompanying unruly crowds created an increasingly volatile atmosphere” whose scale and frequency “overwhelmed the detail and patrol deputies on duty who stepped in to help.”

As a result, the post states, mutual aid assistance from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mentor Police Department, Painesville Police Department, Kirtland Hills Police Department and Lake Metroparks Rangers was provided. requested.

Ultimately, the decision was made to close the rides early and, subsequently, the entire festival to prevent the situation from degenerating further, Leonbruno confirmed, adding that the situation continued in neighborhoods and squares surrounding areas as the festival crowd was dispersed due to “many events”. the agitators are waiting to be transported out of the area.

As a result, a total of four arrests were made, including one involving possession of a firearm. However, authorities believe no shots were fired.

The department noted that all those arrested are juveniles. Several suspects were slightly injured.

A deputy was also slightly injured, according to the post.

Leonbruno noted that not all of those arrested/identified are Lake County residents.