Teen mob forced closure of event that supports veterans, Fairview Heights police say
Two people were arrested, others were pepper sprayed and an event that raises funds for veterans and their families was closed early due to unruly juveniles Saturday night, police say.
According to the Fairview Heights Police Department, the Midwest Wingfest held annually at St. Clair Square closed hours earlier than planned when “juveniles without families” began fighting in the parking lot outside the event, while others attempted to climb barriers to gain entry after being turned away by organizers.
Police said in a social media post that several people reported hearing gunshots near the parking lot of Firestone Auto and Tire, which is located near the event in the southeast corner of the mall property.
“Two people were arrested for fighting,” police said in the release. “Several non-compliant fighting juveniles were pepper sprayed by officers. Assistance from other police agencies was requested.”
No injuries have been reported, police said.
The fights broke out near sundown, according to police. Event organizers elected to close early, though Wingfest was scheduled to remain open until 11 p.m.
According to its website, Midwest Wingfest is a non-profit organization staffed by volunteers to put on the annual event, which includes chicken wing vendors and live entertainment. Proceeds benefit several charities that support U.S. military veterans and their families. They include the USO, Disabled American Veterans, Flagman’s Mission Continues, Fisher House in St. Louis, and Blue Skies.
The event is held in the St. Clair Square parking lot, but cordoned off by temporary fencing to control entry. Tickets were $5 with additional charges for food and drink.
According to police, Wingfest pays the city for extra officers to provide security. Security cameras are installed and drones are deployed, police say.
“At night, juvenile access is controlled by only allowing entry with a family member,” the police release stated.
In April, Fairview Heights Police announced a “no tolerance” policy regarding groups of unattended teens after 500 juveniles assembled at Moody Park “to play loud music with vulgar lyrics, drive recklessly, use illegal substances and start fights,” police said.
Officers broke up the crowd and ordered the park closed for the remainder of the day. Chief Steve Johnson said then that it wasn’t the first time that unruly juveniles have disrupted others at the park, or the first time police have been forced to shut it down.
Additional measures to head them off, Johnson said, will include towing vehicles, taking juveniles into custody and holding parents legally culpable for their children’s behavior. Surveillance cameras are located in many places in the park and license plate readers are being installed, he said.
This story was originally published September 1, 2024 at 8:54 AM.