Unruly crowds cause carnival to shut down in Chicago northwest suburb
LAKE IN THE HILLS, Ill. — A carnival in Lake in the Hills was shut down Saturday night due to unruly crowds.
Algonquin police say people were running across the road and from the carnival near Randall and Algonquin. Multiple fights broke out at the carnival, but there were no reports of gunshots or injuries.
The Algonquin and Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce says the unexpected surge in attendance, fuelled by Saturday's beautiful weather, led to overcrowding, including a large number of unchaperoned teens who came to the carnival and shopping centers in the area.
The carnival was scheduled to reopen on Sunday but was not permitted to do so following a decision by the chief of police and the Village of Lake in the Hills.
"We extend our deepest apologies to all those who had their visit cut short and to those who planned to attend the Carnival today and are unable to do so. We also extend our sympathy to the neighboring businesses affected by the disruptions caused by individuals with malicious intentions. Thankfully the disruptions and misconduct last night did not lead to any reported injuries or more serious incidents," the Chamber of Commerce said in a statement.
They said reopening the carnival would've not been in the best interest of public safety.