A PTA-sponsored hayride in a quiet New Jersey town turned chaotic as police had to step in when a large group of unruly teenagers caused trouble. The Collingswood Police Department reported on Facebook that the family-friendly Haunted Hayride in Knight Park was disrupted by fights and unruly behavior when over 200 juveniles were dropped off at the park. The chaos began around 8:20 p.m. as young adults ran through the crowd and cut in line for the hayride.
To ensure the safety of families attending the event, police dispersed the rowdy kids and ultimately decided to shut down the Halloween event. However, the night was not over for the teenagers as 50-70 of them took over a local gas station, causing a disturbance and stealing items. The chaos continued through residential yards, with some juveniles engaging in fights and resisting officers.
Despite the unexpected turn of events, event staff at the Collingswood Haunted Hayride expressed gratitude for the support and feedback received. They acknowledged the need to review and organize better for future events to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
In light of this incident, it is essential for parents to remind their children about proper behavior and respect for rules during public events like hayrides. Following posted rules, listening to operators, and staying seated throughout the ride can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the importance of community cooperation and maintaining order during public gatherings. By working together with law enforcement and event organizers, we can prevent such incidents and create a positive environment for everyone to enjoy. Let’s learn from this experience and strive to make future events safer and more enjoyable for all participants.