Multiple fights broke out at an event aimed at preventing teen violence
By: Whitehall, OH - Multiple fights broke out at a recent event aimed at preventing teen violence in Whitehall, pushing for more resources to be in place to ensure teens can gather safely.
The Thursday Night Thrillers, a collaboration between Whitehall Police and the non-profit Real Solutions, aims to engage youth through basketball and keep them off the streets.
"A family backyard vibe was the only way to describe what was going on Thursday night at TNT," Thursday Night Thrillers organizer Antonio Gordon said. "We try to figure out where we can help, what families need what, and what we would have needed at their age."
While the event, attended by an estimated 4,000 people, proceeded smoothly for the most part, tensions escalated later in the evening. Police body camera footage captured officers attempting to manage the crowd, ultimately resorting to pepper spray.
Approximately an hour before the event's scheduled conclusion, three separate fights erupted outside the basketball courts, leading to the arrest of five juveniles for misdemeanor disorderly conduct.
They were later released to their parents.