More security planned after crowd prompts South Philly carnival shutdown

Officials are vowing to beef up security after what police called an “unruly” crowd of hundreds of juveniles prompted the shutdown of a South Philadelphia carnival.

Police said an officer reported a large fight involving juveniles at the Easter carnival at about 7:30 p.m. Friday, and responding officers called for more units “due to approximately 500 unruly juveniles at the location.”

Police said the carnival was shut down and the crowds were dispersed before 10 p.m. Friday. A 14-year-old girl was arrested nearby on disorderly conduct, weapons possession and reckless endangering charges, police said, adding that a knife was recovered. No injuries were reported.

The Southeast Youth Athletic Association’s 2023 Easter Carnival, which kicked off Thursday, is scheduled to run through next Saturday offering “exciting rides for all ages” as well as games, food, and prizes.

Carnival operator Houghton Enterprises Inc. told The Philadelphia Inquirer in an email that it would “increase the number of Philadelphia police and private security for the duration of the week.” The company said on its Facebook page Friday that it would go on as scheduled but no one under 18 would be permitted without a guardian.

On Wednesday night, police responded to another crowd of about 400 teens around a mall in Philadelphia’s Center City. Four teens were cited and an officer reported a knee injury after chasing a suspect.