Crime & Safety
Fights, Overcrowding, Unchaperoned Teens Force Carnival Closure: Authorities
The carnival closed early Saturday and did not reopen Sunday as previously planned, authorities said.
LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL — Overcrowding and fights forced a spring carnival to close early Saturday in Lake of the Hills, according to authorities, who said the event did not reopen Sunday as previously scheduled.
Police began receiving 911 calls around 6:30 p.m. about numerous fights at the carnival and nearby parking lot in the 100 block of North Randall Road, authorities said. Responding officers encountered “very large crowds” and fights, and worked with neighboring agencies to disperse people and clear the area, according to police, who said no injuries were reported.
“The police department has no information or evidence at this time to corroborate the social media statements alleging shots fired and/or stabbing(s) during this incident,” police said in a Facebook post.
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The Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce said Saturday on Facebook that “a significant number of unchaperoned teenagers, with intentions to disrupt and cause trouble, descended upon the Carnival and shopping centers in the area.”
“After careful consultation with the Village of Lake in the Hills and our Chief of Police, it has been decided that reopening the Carnival would not be in the best interest of public safety,” the chamber said Sunday in a follow-up Facebook post. "We understand the disappointment this may bring, especially to those who were eagerly anticipating a day of fun and enjoyment."
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“We extend our deepest apologies to all those who had their visit cut short and to those who planned to attend the Carnival today and are unable to do so. We also extend our sympathy to the neighboring businesses affected by the disruptions caused by individuals with malicious intentions.”
Lake in the Hills police received assistance responding to the situation from Algonquin, Huntley, Crystal Lake and McHenry County law enforcement agencies.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police at 847-658-5676 or anonymously text “TIP LITHPD” to 888-777.
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