Altercation at Busch Gardens Saturday night prompted police response

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY) — A large altercation between two groups prompted a significant law enforcement response Saturday night at Busch Gardens, police say.

It all happened around 10 p.m. Saturday, closing time for the second night of Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream , the James City County Police Department confirmed.

Police say the disturbance, in a crowd of several hundred park guests, “began as a verbal dispute/altercation between two large groups, primarily involving juveniles and young adults” who were waiting for a ride home near the park’s entrance.

JCCPD says several of its officers were already on scene provided pre-planned extra security, and were able to quickly step in to help, along with units from the Williamsburg Police Department and the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office.

The crowd then dispersed further after some guests indicated that someone in the crowd potentially had a gun.

Meanwhile, police say a short time later a group of juveniles, believed to have been part of the initial altercation, began walking back toward the remaining crowd at the entrance. One of the juveniles grabbed at his waistband in a way that suggested he may have been armed, police say.

Police say the juvenile briefly complied with officers’ demands to show his hands, but he was quickly detained after making another motion toward his waistband. The juvenile ended up not having a weapon, and he was released to his parents.

Ultimately no arrests were made, and no injuries were reported, police say. Officers also never saw or located a weapon.

“The significant multi-jurisdictional response reestablished peace within minutes, and the crowd was fully dispersed by midnight,” per JCCPD.

Though no arrests were made, police did want to point out that guests who disrupt the experience for others and don’t follow the park’s code of conduct can be banned from the park/face legal repercussions.

“Parents and guardians must take responsibility for supervising their children, ensuring they behave appropriately and are picked up promptly,” JCCPD said. “We are committed to ensuring Howl-O-Scream is a safe and fun event for all, and guests play a cooperative role in achieving this goal.

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