Knott's Berry Farm back open after closing park early due to fights
After a series of fights broke out at Knott's Berry Farm on Saturday evening, park officials decided to close it hours early to protect the public and contain the situation.
On Sunday, with a much calmer atmosphere settled over the park, gates were opened back up but not much light was shed on what exactly happened the night prior, though the brawls, paired with frightened guests, ultimately forced park management to shut down Knott's Berry Farm on a very busy Saturday night.
Buena Park police began receiving 911 calls at around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, some with reports of a shooting, and many others with reports of fight after fight.
"Everybody listen up. Listen up. There have been no shots. There are just a bunch of fights. It has been a crazy amount of fights, that's why Knott's is closing the park down," a Knott's employee said in a video obtained by CBSLA.
Police did not find evidence of a shooting, according to CBSLA Reporter Rick Montanez.
Two people were taken to the hospital but their injuries were described as non-life-threatening, while dozens of others were interviewed by law enforcement on the scene.
Montanez talked to park guests on Sunday about the recent uptick in altercations at Knott's Berry Farm.
"There's more security and I think it's because of what happened last night. We actually just dropped off my son. He's a teenager, 14," Paul Villagran told Montanez.
"It's kind of ridiculous. They need to regulate who they bring in there, maybe. It didn't used to be like this, so it sucks," Brianna Ollivares said.
On Monday, Knott's Berry Farm issued a statement on the string of incidents, which read in part:
"The safety of our guests and associates has always been our top priority at Knott's Berry Farm. To be clear, unruly behavior and altercations such as those that took place yesterday have no place at our park. We have zero tolerance for this kind of behavior and we believe those responsible should be held accountable."
The statement noted that park officials planned to ensure that the situation was handled to ensure the safety and peace of mind for future guests. They plan to introduce increased security at the park beginning as soon as this coming weekend, are implementing new safety protocols, and have turned park video footage over to Buena Park police for further investigation.