Police charge 55 children, teens in theme park brawl investigation

HERSHEY, Pa. (Gray News) - More than 50 minors were charged following a brawl at the Hersheypark theme park opening day last month.

In total, 55 people ranging in age from 12 to 19 years old were charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses that include simple assault, conspiracy, theft, failure to disperse, disorderly conduct, aggravated assault, riot, and more, according to the Derry Township Police Department. Only three of the people arrested were ages 18 and older.

The fights were reported shortly before 7 p.m. April 3 during the theme park’s opening day for its 120^th season.

A representative with the Derry Township Police Department said they were called by Hersheypark Safety & Security to help with fights between “several” groups of teenagers.

Two minors and one adult were arrested at the time, with the bulk of the arrests coming throughout the month-long investigation that followed.

No injuries were initially reported.