6 Arrested At Festival Cut Short By Unruly Crowds In Camden Co.: Police

PENNSAUKEN, NJ — Six people were arrested at a Pennsauken festival that ended early last weekend because of unruly crowds, officials said.

The township's Summer Kick Off was cut short Saturday night after the "multiple large crowds" disrupted the event at the local soccer complex, said Pennsauken Police Chief Philip P. Olivo.

Four adults and two minors were arrested. The adults ranged from ages 18-20.

"During the event, multiple large crowds started to form, outside of the community members who were trying to enjoy this event," Olivo said in a statement. "These crowds started to become unruly, which prompted the event to be shut down, before the situation deteriorated further."

The Summer Kick Off was planned as a community gathering featuring live music, food and fireworks. But it became Camden County's second family-friendly gathering interrupted this month by unruly crowds — one weeks after fights broke out during Gloucester Township Day — authorities said.

Pennsauken police called in additional officers from Camden, Burlington and Gloucester counties to manage the crowds.

"The Pennsauken officers and mutual aid officers worked together and did an excellent job in keeping the community safe," Olivo said. "This type of unruly behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated in Pennsauken Township."

The following people were charged with disorderly conduct and failure to disperse:

• India Allen, 19, of Pennsauken
• Yamilet Meina, 18, of Camden
• Damien Green, 20, of Pennsauken
• Derek Berry, 18, of Pennsauken

Green was also charged with resisting arrested. Authorities did not disclose the juveniles' identities or charges.