Carnival Fights Break Out In South Jersey; 3 Kids Charged, Gunshot Rumor False: Police

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — Three minors were charged, and an officer sustained injuries after several fights broke out Friday night at a carnival in Washington Township. But social-media rumors of gunshots at the scene were false, authorities said. (See footage from the scene below.)

Fourteen police agencies raced to respond to the incidents, which broke out at the Washington Township football/band carnival at Washington Township High School. A township officer was treated for facial and head injuries at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital, according to Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik.

Event organizers opted to cancel Saturday's carnival.

Social-media rumors swirled that there were shots fired. But that wasn't true, Gurcsik says.

"At no point was it reported to any of the officers on the scene that there were gunshots or a gun," the police chief said. "None of our officers on foot patrol heard gunshots or saw any weapons."

More than 3,000 people attended the carnival, Gurcsik told CBS News Philadelphia. There were already Washington Township officers on duty at the carnival, including Gurcsik, before the fights broke out. Police quickly requested aid from surrounding agencies to control the crowd.

Police took three children — from Camden, Paulsboro and Pennsauken — into custody.

Washington Township Mayor Joann Gattinelli praised police, firefighters and emergency services for their response.

"Together we were able to clear the crowd and keep everyone safe," Gattinelli said in a statement. "I am very proud of our men and women in blue."

See footage of the scene from 6abc Action News: