'Unruly Juveniles' Cause Mass Panic At Fireworks, Suburban Chief Says

OAKDALE, MN — Families hoping to enjoy a night of fireworks Saturday at Oakdale’s Summerfest instead encountered mass panic caused by multiple fights and unruly juveniles, according to police.

The fireworks were scheduled for 10 p.m. at Walton Park.

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“During the incident, officers responded to multiple fights and a large group of unruly juveniles whose actions created panic throughout the park,” Chief of Police Nick Newton wrote in a message Sunday on the city’s Facebook page.

One attendee reported seeing people with handguns, although the report had not been confirmed, nor were there any confirmed reports of shots fired at the event, according to Newton, who noted there were no known injuries.

Oakdale officers were assigned to the event, but as the situation escalated, assistance was requested from neighboring law enforcement agencies, including those in Washington and Ramsey counties, Woodbury and Maplewood, according to Newton.

“We know many in our community have questions about what happened,” Newton wrote. “Our department is actively reviewing the events of last night and will continue working with Summerfest organizers and our public safety partners to evaluate additional security measures for future events.”