PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — The bi-annual Sacred Heart Festival, known for its family-friendly environment, was cut short Saturday after a group of kids disrupted the event, which police say was "further exacerbated by a lack of parental supervision."
The Pinellas Park Police Department responded to reports of a gun being seen at the event and/or shots fired, as well as several fights. However, officers did not end up finding any firearm and did not hear any gunshots.
Once police got to the area where the fights were reported, attendees reportedly started running in a "stampede-like fashion," leaving some people with minor injuries.
The agency said four "juveniles" were arrested for disorderly conduct. Another arrest was made for aggravated assault on an officer after a person who was leaving the festival struck an officer with her car.
The officer faced minor injuries, authorities said.
"The Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg is grateful for the quick response of law enforcement to investigate rumors of possible gun violence," Director of Diocesan Information and Communications Teresa Peterson said in a statement to 10 Tampa Bay. "Thankfully, the rumor was false. We pray for all involved- for those who were frightened by this incident, for the officer who was injured, and for those who caused the disturbance. May God lead us all to find peace and to be a source of peace to others."
The police department confirmed in a statement to 10 Tampa Bay that extra security will be put in place during the festival on Sunday.
"The safety and enjoyment of all attendees is our top priority, and it is deeply disappointing that the actions of a few individuals disrupted what was meant to be a positive and inclusive experience for families," Chief Adam Geissenberger said in a statement. "We will continue working closely with church officials to strengthen safety measures for future events. We urge parents to take responsibility for their children's behavior at public events to prevent incidents like this in the future."
