Kennywood To Review Security Protocol After Fight
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Kennywood officials will be reviewing their security protocol after a big fight broke out Saturday night.
Park officials are expected to meet Monday to make sure this doesn't happen again.
KDKA's Christine D'Antonio Reports:
In all, 50 to 75 teenagers who'd been inside all Saturday somehow ended up pushing and shoving each other around 8:45 p.m.
Kennywood security felt it was becoming uncomfortable for others and decided to call in police from West Mifflin and nine other departments.
Because it was close to closing time, Kennywood says it made the decision to close to get everyone out of the park.
"It was 30 minutes before, everything was shutting down and the cops came and told everyone to get out," Ian Cline said. "We were on top of the Phantom's Revenge, saw all these cop cars. So, when we're leaving, there were all these dogs and cops taking everyone out. We heard stuff about gunshots and a giant fight. We just walked out to see what was going on."
"There was no rush for the exits or anything like that. From what I saw, you could tell people were concerned, but there was no evacuation or anything that strong," Nick Paradise, of Kennywood, said
Four teenage girls were hurt with minor cuts and scrapes. They were treated at the park and will be okay.
KDKA's Bob Allen Reports:
Kennywood officials say no one was charged by police.
The park is now considering having an adult accompany minors at night on the weekends - a system similar to what the park has done in the past.
"It is the most important thing for Kennywood for people to know they're safe here whether it's on the rides, when they come into the park and their interactions from other patrons and other guests of the park. So, we're going to do anything we can, any options that are out there," Paradise said.
The park is scheduled to open again on Saturday. Park officials are meeting Monday afternoon to firm up the details of what changes will take place.
Paradise joined "The KDKA Morning News" with Larry Richert and John Shumway to discuss what steps Kennywood is taking ramp up their security.
"The big thing we're disclosing right now that will be seen to the public is an enhanced security presence," Paradise said.
He said the presence will include more security guards, off-duty police officers, and retired police officers.
When it comes to restrictions on young people coming to the park by themselves Paradise said, "It's something that we're looking at."
He adds it's a tough decision because as he says it's a place where teenagers can go, "to get some independence from their parents."
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