CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. – The general manager of the Chesterfield County Fair said safety remains a top priority after four arrests were made at the venue Saturday night as a result of several fights, according to police.
“We don’t understand it because we work so hard because we want people and families to come and have fun,” said Brenda White Vaughn. “We had a great day. The weather was great, the people were great, there were great events going on. And then you have groups that come in and just want to disrupt… We don’t understand that.”
White Vaughn praised Chesterfield police for their quick response.
“(The officers) have done a great job as always and we are so proud to have them here keeping us safe,” she said.
Chesterfield Police officials reported that officers deployed to the fairgrounds at 10300 Courthouse Road were notified “of the possibility of fighting between juvenile attendees” around 8:30 p.m.
“Officers attempted to peacefully disperse the crowd to prevent any potential altercations,” department officials said Sunday. “The fair gates closed as scheduled at 9 p.m. Members of the crowd outside the gates became agitated and attempted to force their way in. As a result, fair staff decided to close the fair early for the evening.”
WATCH: 4 people arrested after brawl at Chesterfield County Fair
VIDEO AND PHOTOS: 4 people arrested after fights at Chesterfield County Fair
However, when the crowds reached the parking lots, several clashes broke out, according to police.
Officers then asked the crowd to disperse, and several officers “used pepper spray to break up several fights,” police said.
According to police, emergency responders treated 13 people for injuries. One suffered an arm injury and 12 were treated for contact with pepper spray, including a boy who was taken to a nearby hospital.
Two men were arrested outside the exhibition grounds in connection with the incidents, officials said.
Klaron Dupree-Faulkner, 18, of Richmond, was charged with possession of a weapon on school property (the weapon was in his vehicle), possession of marijuana as a minor, disorderly conduct, obstruction of justice and trespassing. Eric Edwards Jr., 31, of Henrico, was charged with carrying a concealed firearm and attempting to brandish it within 1,000 feet of a school.
Officials said a 14-year-old boy was arrested for assaulting an officer and a 15-year-old boy was arrested for assaulting a fairground employee. The two youths were released to their parents at the scene, officials said.
Due to the incident, the fair was closed at 10 p.m.
FULL INTERVIEW: Chesterfield County Fair GM talks safety after fights: ‘It’s unfortunate’
FULL INTERVIEW: Chesterfield County Fair GM talks safety after fights: ‘It’s unfortunate’
White Vaughn said organizers work year-round on the safety and security of the event, including the clear bag policy, which she said is “very strictly enforced.”
“So don’t come in with a backpack,” White warned Vaughn. “You won’t be allowed in unless it’s a clear backpack. There will still be a bag search and a metal detector check. Don’t come in with a large bag, nothing bigger than a fanny pack.”
White Vaughn also said the county has implemented several new security measures this year, including fences, new gates and security cameras.
“We have drones in the sky and things like that,” she said. “You know what, even the ones that are causing trouble? Smile. They’re on hidden camera.”
Users can also sign up for emergency alerts from the fair by texting “CFIELDFAIR” to 888777.
The Chesterfield County Fair runs through Saturday, August 31st and is open Monday through Friday from 5am to 11pm and weekends from 11am to 11pm.
This is an evolving story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
