Hundreds Of Kids Fight At Collingswood Haunted Hayride, Wawa: Police

COLLINGSWOOD, NJ — Hundreds of kids got into fights Saturday night at a haunted hayride in Collingswood, with altercations spilling into different locations around the township, police said.

Police estimate that more than 200 kids were involved.

The fights began at about 8:20 p.m. during the Collingswood Haunted Hayride at Knight Park — a one-night event that supports local schools. After police dispersed the scene, the unruly behavior continued at Wawa on Haddon Avenue and at homes along Browning Road.

Officials shut down the hayride, which was scheduled to run until 8:30 p.m. Wawa was temporarily closed to prevent further damage.

No arrests have been made as of Monday. Collingswood police continue to investigate the incidents.

Several vehicles dropped off the kids on the outskirts of Knight Park. Many of the youths began fighting each other, running recklessly through the crowd and cutting in line for the hayride, police said.

Officers working at the event dispersed the kids and called in other Camden County police agencies to help. To ensure attendees' safety, officials shut down the hayride. Police and event organizers safety escorted families away from the chaos, officials said.

As officers dispersed the crowds, 50 to 70 kids caused a disturbance at Wawa, police said. Officers dispersed them from the store, which was closed to prevent further damage and theft.

During the Wawa incident, roughly 80 kids continued fighting at Knight Park. As additional officers arrived, some of the youths punched, kicked and pushed past them, police said.

Some of the kids broke away from the main group and began running into nearby backyards. Officers dispersed the remaining crowds and restored peace, police said.

Several community gatherings around Camden County have been plagued by fights among large numbers of youths in recent months. Similar incidents occurred at Gloucester Township Day and the Pennsauken Summer Kick Off in June, and after a football game this month at Winslow Township High School.

"Preparations have been in place for public events over the last several months and we have been able to avoid these issues," said a joint statement from Collingswood police and the borough. "The Borough will be reviewing and revising plans for public events given this new riotous trend."

The Haunted Hayride supports Collingswood High School and Middle School. The PTAs of both schools manage the event.

"Unfortunately, as everyone saw and realized a lot of the evening was beyond what could have been expected, but with the feedback and awareness we will review and organize to determine a way to move into next year," event organizers said on Facebook. "We appreciate your support and it without it our event could not happen."