By: Richard L. Smith
The Middlesex Police Department had to close the annual Middlesex Fire Department Carnival prematurely on Friday night due to safety concerns from an unexpectedly large crowd.
Officials confirmed that the event was disrupted just before 9 p.m. when disturbances among the attendees escalated.
RLS Media learned that there were reports of fights breaking out among a crowd of over 500 individuals at the Mountainview Park Firemen's Carnival.
In response, police forces from Middlesex, Somerset, and Union counties were called to the scene to manage the situation.
In a statement, Middlesex Police Chief Matthew P. Geist explained that the decision to shut down the carnival, originally scheduled to run until 11 p.m., was made at 8:35 p.m.
Chief Geist said in the statement that this action was taken after the crowd awaiting entry, combined with those already inside, became unmanageable and began to pose a risk to public safety.
Authorities from surrounding areas and New Jersey State Police Troopers were mobilized to assist with crowd control.
Chief Geist reported, "The crowd was dispersed from the immediate area without incident. No injuries were reported, and no arrests were made."
He also clarified that despite rumors circulating on social media, no gunshots or weapons were fired at the carnival site during its operation or in dispersing the crowd.
Police are continuing their investigation into the events that led to the carnival's closure and are reviewing the security measures in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.