A PTA-sponsored haunted hayride in New Jersey erupted in chaos last weekend as hundreds of wild teenagers brawled with each other, darted “recklessly” through the family-friendly event and cut lines, authorities said.
The unruly teens were dropped off outside the Collingwood Haunted Hayride at around 8:20 p.m. Saturday and immediately began wreaking havoc while children and parents tried to enjoy the seasonal offering, police said.
“The event was quickly disrupted by fights breaking out, largely between arriving youths, and unruly behavior,” the Collingwood Police Department said in a statement.
Authorities estimated upwards of 200 minors descended on the haunted hayride.
The outburst of senseless chaos interrupted and ended the fundraiser, which was meant to raise cash for Collingswood High School and Middle School.
“It’s usually fun and it’s scary sometimes, but it’s just a fun experience to hang out with your friends,” 11-year-old Jude Adamoli told local ABC-6. “There was punches thrown and basically I got on the hayride right when this happened.”
Mason Reuss, 11, told the outlet, “We heard screaming and a bunch of cops rushing and saying ‘Get out of the way.’ And after that, we were wondering what going on and we heard like a fight.”
The malevolent miscreants continued to brawl as cops tried to separate the warring factions – with many of the underaged agitators pushing past police officers to trade punches with their rivals.
Many of the juveniles escaped the scene through nearby residential backyards, according to police.
As officers dealt with the brawl at the haunted hayride – they got another emergency call reporting a flash mob overtaking a nearby Wawa.
Another 50-70 belligerent youths took over that regional favorite chain store, resulting in another police response.
“Officers were able to assist Wawa with dispersing the group of juveniles who were sealing items and causing a disturbance. Wawa was closed in order to prevent further damage and theft,” Collingswood Police Department wrote in a statement.
The crowd was eventually dispersed with no arrests having been made, however investigators say they have not forgotten about the incident.
“That is our intent – to identify as many people as possible,” Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey said at a town forum Wednesday night, according to WPVI.
“And if charges are warranted, to be charged then afterward. Our investigation is still ongoing, but the main priority at the time was to restore order and get people out of the area safely.”
The chief said investigators are reviewing body cam footage, surveillance videos, and social media in order to identify the mischief makers.