A chaotic scene unfolded at Hersheypark on its opening day, resulting in charges against more than 50 young individuals after a large-scale brawl erupted, prompting families to protect their children by taking cover under tables.
The Derry Township Police Department disclosed on Monday that a total of 55 individuals, most of whom were minors aged 12 to 19, were implicated in several altercations throughout the renowned Pennsylvania amusement park on April 3.
Participants in the melee are now facing various misdemeanor and felony charges.
Authorities reported that surveillance footage captured two distinct groups, referred to as “Group A and Group B,” initially engaging in a verbal dispute in one park area. This confrontation escalated into a full-scale fight shortly after 6:51 p.m., just over an hour before the park’s scheduled closing time.
Law enforcement was summoned to assist security in dispersing the “large fight” near the Trailblazer coaster, a ride favored by families.
The dueling groups were separated before meeting up again at a food court, forcing families to hide under tables and flee the area, PennLive reported, citing court documents.
Witnesses told the police the brawl included 50 to 60 teenagers.
One of the fights had spilled over to near one of the rollercoasters, where at least a dozen youngersters grappled and punched each other as a large crowd gathered around them filming the fracas next to the tracks of a rollercoaster, according to video posted online.
The violent squabble forced park staff to shut down the coaster.
“These actions caused serious inconvenience to Hersheypark staff and patrons of the park. This caused an emergency stop to the Skyrush ride,” officers said in court records viewed by the outlet.
Some of the fighting teens had been kicked out by police at a side gate, but reentered the park at the main gate and got into another fight at around 7:30 p.m.
After a three-month investigation, officials filed charges for the “disorderly and assaultive behavior by numerous youths” that included Simple Assault, Conspiracy, Theft, Failure to Disperse, Disorderly Conduct, Aggravated Assault, and Riot, among others, police said.
Omar Ibraham, 19, Jerome Ross, III, 18, and Quaneek Williams, 18, all from Harrisburg, Penn., were publicly identified as the only three adults facing charges in the massive brawl, police said.
Williams has been charged with felony riot, assault and failing to disperse, among other charges, according to a probable cause affidavit viewed by PennLive.
Ibrahim and Ross were charged with theft after they allegedly took an admittance wristband from a minor and used it to enter the park.
The theft charge was for $90.80, the cost of a single-day admission pass to the park, the outlet reported.
The three men were charged through summons and have not been arrested as of Tuesday night. Their first court appearances are set for July 7.
Hersheypark had officially opened for its 120th season hours earlier.
“Consistent with Hersheypark’s zero tolerance policy, those who do not abide by our policy will no longer be welcome on our property,” the park told CBS21.
The Post has reached out to Hersheypark.
Hersheypark does not appear to have a chaperone policy for minors visiting the park.
Other amusement parks, including multiple Six Flags locations, have put strict age restrictions in recent months in an attempt to battle rampant nuisance from younger customers.
“All guests ages 17 years old or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old to be admitted to or remain in the park. The policy will be in effect starting at 4:00pm each operating day,” according to the new policy on New Jersey’s Six Flags Great Adventure website.