The spring carnival in Lake in the Hills was abruptly shut down Saturday evening after police responded to reports of fights and unruly teens.
The Lake in the Hills Spring Carnival, which started Friday and runs through Sunday, is located in the parking lot of the At Home at Randall Road and Algonquin Road.
The Lake in the Hills Police Department responded to the intersection for subjects running across the road to and from the carnival.
“Officers then reported multiple fights taking place in the carnival area,” the police department said.
Heavy police activity was reported as officers worked to disperse crowds of people.
“A very large fight” was reported at the carnival at around 6:50 p.m., according to information provided over the radio to paramedics responding to medical calls in the area.
The carnival was scheduled to run until 10 p.m. Saturday, but was shut down early due to the incidents.
“The unexpected surge in attendance, fueled by the beautiful weather, unfortunately led to overcrowding,” the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the event, said on Facebook.
“Additionally, a significant number of unchaperoned teenagers, with intentions to disrupt and cause trouble, descended upon the Carnival and shopping centers in the area.”
“Regrettably, in the interest of safety, we chose to close the Carnival earlier than planned. We understand the disappointment this decision may have caused, especially to the children and families who were looking forward to a day of joy and fun,” the chamber of commerce added.
Police asked people to avoid the area while officers worked to disperse the crowds.
The police department added that there were no reports of gunfire, despite rumors on social media. There were also no reports of injuries.
Police said in an update at 9:54 p.m. that they have dispersed the unruly crowds and have cleared the area.
The chamber of commerce extended its apologies to nearby businesses that may have been impacted by the unruly individuals.