Six people arrested as 'unruly crowds' prematurely interrupt Pennsauken summer kickoff event

This is not the first time this summer that a community gathering has been foiled by groups of masked youth. Authorities are seeking answers, but remain steadfast in their commitment to public safety.

By Matt Skoufalos | June 9, 2024

The threat of widespread disruption from large groups of black-clad teenagers gathered on the outskirts of the event interrupted Pennsauken Township's summer kickoff Saturday evening as authorities dispersed the crowds ahead of the fire. final artifice.

Pennsauken Mayor Marco DiBattista said the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) recommended the closure after first responders reported large crowds of young people converging in groups of about 50 people along Westfield Avenue .

“We'll call them kids, but I don't know how old these people are,” DiBattista said. “They were dressed in black: black tops, black pants, black shorts, backpacks and masks.

“We made the decision to prioritize safety,” he said. “It was our preparation that really allowed us to not have a crazy story today.”

The mayor described the gatherings as having “met the criteria that we've seen in the past with other issues,” including incidents with mass youth gatherings in Gloucester Township, Wildwood and Ocean City early in the summer season.

Event organizers had anticipated that the summer kickoff event could risk causing a similar disruption and had planned response scenarios that were ultimately implemented, Pennsauken fire chief said, Jon Hutton.

“We were all aware of what happened in Gloucester Township about a week earlier,” Hutton said. “You go through all these events, planning and hoping that nothing will ever happen, and then every once in a while you figure this out and that plan comes true.”

About 45 minutes into the event, officials knew they had a problem to solve, as young people were being dropped off in groups by carloads and small problems began to occur.

“You can tell a family they're having a good time, and look at another group of kids and just know in their body language that they have a different motivation,” Hutton said.

“No normal person comes to a city event when it’s 90 degrees wearing a hoodie and a mask.”

Emergency workers on scene began reporting that participants had been hit with objects thrown indiscriminately into the crowd. No one was transported from the scene and Hutton said those who were hit by projectiles refused to seek treatment.

At the same time, DiBattista said officials observed other groups gathering in the nearby Arlington Park Cemetery and Industrial Park, on the outskirts of the event, as well as along Westfield Avenue.

It was getting dark and the decision was made to end the event early rather than risk further security issues. A planned fireworks display was canceled and, after the crowd dispersed, the explosives were detonated safely.

“There were so many people there laughing and laughing,” DiBattista said. “We were ready to hand out a bunch of beach balls and glow sticks, as it was getting dark – all these things to engage our residents that were stopped in their tracks.

“And well done to the residents,” said the mayor. “I announced the event was canceled, and they got up, took their chairs and walked out.”

The Pennsauken Fire Marshal also called businesses along Westfield Avenue to let them know the event was being closed and advise them to consider closing early for the evening. Reports had previously been received that the neighboring Wawa, in the 2200 block of Clement Avenue, had been ransacked and shoplifted.

“We knew they had caused problems before they got to our event,” Hutton said.

In response, approximately 80 to 90 uniformed police officers from communities throughout the tri-county region arrived on scene, accompanied by an EMS response team of approximately 20 first responders, which deployed nearby .

Miraculously, they weren't necessary.

However, six arrests were made – two minors and four adults, none of whom were over the age of 20 – of people accused of disturbing the peace and failing to disperse.

They were India Allen, 19, Derek Berry, 18, and Damien Green, 20, all of Pennsauken; and Yamilet Meina, 18, of Camden City. Green was also charged with resisting arrest.

“I would like to thank all of our brave law enforcement officers, men and women, who were present at this event, as well as all law enforcement agencies for their mutual assistance,” the chief wrote. Pennsauken police Philip Olivo in a statement.

“Pennsauken officers and mutual aid officers worked together and did an excellent job keeping the community safe,” Olivo wrote. “This type of unruly behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated in Pennsauken Township.”

No explanation has yet been offered as to why these groups of young people began gathering at larger community events, apparently with the intention of disrupting them. But as similar circumstances have occurred in South Jersey, DiBattista believes a trend is emerging.

“Maybe it’s just a mentality right now; we’re not sure,” the mayor said. “We are aware that something is happening. Certain groups of people seek to behave badly.

“Our message to the community is: We love you,” he said. “Our job is to protect and keep people safe during these events. We have many more to come. We will always be prepared for the worst and expect the best.

This is a developing story. Stay with NJPEN for updates.