Pennsauken's Summer Kick Off ends early due to safety concerns, 4 adults and 2 minors arrested, police say
PENNSAUKEN, N.J. (CBS) -- Four young adults are now facing charges after Pennsauken's Summer Kick Off event was shut down early Saturday night due to "public safety concerns." Two children under the age of 18 were also arrested, police said.
In a statement Sunday morning, Police Chief Philip Olivo explained that Saturday night, "multiple large crowds" started to form near the Summer Kick Off, which was being held at the community's Soccer Complex.
Olivo said the crowds were becoming "unruly," which prompted officials to shut down the Summer Kick Off "before the situation deteriorated further."
In addition to Pennsauken Township police, officers from Camden, Burlington and Gloucester Counties responded to help clear out the crowds, Olivo said. In total, six people were arrested, four adults and two minors.
"Unfortunately we had an event where we had a large group of people show up to ruin a good time," Pennsauken Mayor Marco DiBattista.
According to police, three of the young adults arrested were from Pennsauken Township and one, an 18-year-old, was from Camden City. All four were charged with disorderly conduct and failure to disperse; a 20-year-old was also charged with resisting arrest.
"I would like to thank all of our brave men and women law enforcement officers who were at this event, and all of the law enforcement agencies for sending mutual aid," Olivo said in a statement. "The Pennsauken Officers and Mutual Aid Officers worked together and did an excellent job in keeping the community safe."
Pennsauken officials initially announced that the Summer Kick Off was shutting down early due to "public safety concerns."
In a statement shared with CBS News Philadelphia and posted on Facebook around 8:45 p.m., the township said, "On the advice of Pennsauken's Office of Emergency Management and our first responders, Township Administration has made the decision to end this year's Summer Kick Off early. We apologize for the inconvenience to attendees, but the safety of our residents and the overall community comes first. We appreciate your understanding in this matter."
The Summer Kick Off was scheduled to run from 6-9 p.m. on June 8. The fireworks scheduled for the evening did go on eventually, albeit a little late.
The issues in Pennsauken come one week after multiple fights broke out at the Gloucester Township Day celebration on June 1. Police said hundreds of young people were involved in those fights, and 10 teens and two adults were arrested.
In the week since, the Gloucester Township Police Department has released photos of multiple individuals wanted in connection with the incident.
"We want people to understand it's safe to be here [in Pennsauken]," DiBattista said.
