Widespread disorder as rowdy new jersey teens ruin another family event in south jersey

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ – A community event in Gloucester Township was marred by widespread disorder on Saturday evening, resulting in the arrest of 11 individuals, including nine juveniles.

The disturbance began around 8:40 p.m. at Veterans Park during the annual Gloucester Township Day event. As the crowd awaited a drone light show, officers noted an unusual influx of juveniles and young adults, forming a crowd estimated to exceed 500. Tensions escalated into multiple fights among large groups, prompting initial arrests for disorderly conduct.

In response to the growing unrest, the Incident Commander called in additional local officers and sought mutual aid from surrounding police agencies in Camden County. The drone light show was prematurely launched in an attempt to calm the situation.

At the Jersey Shore, officials last week blamed police reform laws under New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy for the increase in youth delinquency and violence.

In a preemptive response to New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin’s past claims at the Jersey Shore blaming cops and city officials, Gloucester officials said police staffing was not an issue.

” 68 Gloucester Township Police Officers were assigned to or responded to the “Gloucester Township Day” event, and at least 30 mutual aid Police Officers from Camden County and Deptford Township (Gloucester County) responded as per the mutual aid plan. The incident was declared under control at approximately 11:04 PM,” the department said.

While this incident is still under investigation, Gloucester Township Police Chief David Harkins stated, “the officers who responded and showed great restraint when dealing with violent and agitating groups. The mutual aid received by the surrounding departments was unprecedented in Gloucester Township. I was proud to serve with all of these officers who put their safety on the line to bring this difficult situation under control. I am thankful that more injuries were not sustained to officers, the families attending the event, and even those involved in this disorderly conduct. The lawless of groups of unsupervised juveniles and young people acting with total disregard for others, ruined a great family-oriented event which has taken place to raise funds for the Gloucester Township Scholarship Committee for over 40 years. This type of lawlessness and violent riotous behavior will not be tolerated, and will not define the great community of Gloucester Township.”

Post-event, the crowd moved to the Marketplace shopping center, where confrontations continued for several hours. Many involved were not local residents and appeared to be waiting for transportation away from the area. Officers reported that many of the instigators were dressed in black, with covered faces and medical-style masks.

During the attempts to disperse the crowd, a 33-year-old man from Camden allegedly struck a police officer with his bicycle, leading to his arrest for assault and attempted escape. The officer, along with two others, sustained minor injuries.

The event, which has been a local tradition for over 40 years to raise funds for the Gloucester Township Scholarship Committee, was declared under control by 11:04 p.m.

Chief David Harkins of the Gloucester Township Police praised the cooperation and restraint shown by the officers involved and emphasized the community’s resilience in the face of such challenges.

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