Teen Takeover At School Fair, Officials In Westchester Community Put Plans In Place To Curb The Problems

TUCKAHOE, NY — An organized effort to turn a fun, family gathering into a melee has officials making plans to prevent another so-called teen takeover of a local fair.

On Friday, the Immaculate Conception School Fair attracted several thousand attendees, including teens from throughout the region, according to Tuckahoe police. Unfortunately, many of those who showed up weren't there to enjoy the festivities.

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The Village of Tuckahoe Police Department said that they coordinated with the Eastchester Police Department on extensive pre-event planning and had personnel in place to help ensure a safe event.

In a statement, Tuckahoe police said wristbands were required for entry with fee, and no unaccompanied minors were permitted to enter the carnival grounds. To help head off any opportunity for an organized disruption, the event's scheduled closing time was moved from 10 p.m. to 9 p.m..

Efforts by law enforcement and organizers were not enough to completely stop the organized disruption that was planned by teens from Westchester, The Bronx and beyond.

At around 8:15 p.m., police said, the fairgrounds became overcrowded, creating "significant public safety concerns." In the interest of protecting attendees, staff, and the surrounding community, officials made the decision to close the fair early, around 8:25 p.m.

Following the closure, police said a large group of youths in the surrounding area became unruly.

Mutual aid assistance was requested from law enforcement agencies throughout Westchester County. Officers worked collaboratively to disperse the crowd and restore order.

At this time, there have been no reports of injuries or property damage within the Village of Tuckahoe, and no arrests were made, Tuckahoe police said in the statement.

"Through the coordinated efforts of our officers and law enforcement partners, public safety was maintained during a challenging situation," Tuckahoe Police Chief Larry Rotta said. "This morning, Village officials met with Father Siorgi of Immaculate Conception Church to review the events of last evening and discuss public safety concerns."

Additional police personnel will be deployed throughout the village and at the fair to ensure continued safety and security, the department said.

"A huge thank you to Chief Rotta and every member of the Tuckahoe Police Department for their professionalism, dedication, and tireless service to our community," Tuckahoe Mayor Cara Kronen said in a statement on Saturday. "I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the many neighboring municipalities that provided mutual aid and support last night."

Westchester County Legislator James Nolan James Nolan thanked the officers saying their "swift and professional response helped restore order and protect residents during a rapidly escalating situation." In a statement, however, the lawmaker expressed concerns that the incident not be swept under the rug.

"I am outraged by reports that police officers were spit on and that an officer was injured while working to keep families safe," Nolan said. "Attacking the very people who put themselves in harm's way to protect our communities is disgraceful and completely unacceptable. Let me be crystal clear: this type of behavior will not be tolerated in Westchester County. Anyone who assaults a police officer, engages in violence, damages property, or threatens public safety should expect to be arrested, prosecuted, and held fully accountable."

The county legislator said there "must be real consequences for those who choose lawlessness over respect for others."

Bronxville police said the trouble wasn't limited to the event.

"Our officers assisted neighboring jurisdictions in dispersing large groups of people following the Fair at ICS," Bronxville Police Department said in a statement on Saturday. "Unfortunately the groups dispersed throughout the village. No injuries or property damage were reported. We are closely monitoring the event tonight and tomorrow and have brought in extra officers to ensure the safety of the community."