Police Charge 55 Children, Teens in Theme Park Brawl Investigation
Police say 55 people, including 52 juveniles, face misdemeanor and felony charges after fights broke out during the park’s opening day.
- On Monday, the Derry Township Police Department announced that 55 individuals, including 52 juveniles, have been charged following a lengthy investigation into fights at Hersheypark on April 3, 2026.
- The brawl occurred shortly before 7 p.m. on April 3 during the theme park's 120th season opening day, as groups of teenagers engaged in disorderly and assaultive behavior.
- Ranging in age from 12 to 19, the 55 suspects face charges including simple assault, conspiracy, theft, failure to disperse, disorderly conduct, aggravated assault, and riot.
- Following the altercation, Hersheypark replaced its hand-stamp re-entry system with a photo verification process to enforce its zero-tolerance policy for disruptive behavior.
- Police described the investigation's "successful conclusion" as resulting from collaboration between the Derry Township Police Department's Criminal Investigation Section, local school officials, and the Dauphin County District Attorney's Office.
21 Articles
21 Articles
55 kids, teens charged in Hersheypark opening day brawl — as families shielded children, hid under tables
Fifty-five people, including 53 minors, whose ages range between 12 and 19, had been involved in multiple fights across the iconic Pennsylvania theme park on April 3, the Derry Township Police Department announced Monday.
Police Giant brawl forced Hersheypark to stop rollercoaster as parents hid under tables on opening day
Hersheypark visitors shielded their children and hid under tables during a wide-scale fight on opening day in April, police said in court documents released...
55 children, teens charged after multiple fights break out at Hersheypark
Fifty-five children and teens between the ages of 12 and 19 were charged after multiple fights broke out at Hersheypark on opening day. On Friday, April 3, 2026, at around 6:50 p.m., the Derry Township Police Department received reports of fights involving several groups of teenagers inside Hersheypark. Léelo en español aquí. When officers arrived at the scene, they helped to stop the fights. At that time, several people were arrested, while oth…
WSFA 12 News
Police charge 55 children, teens in theme park brawl investigation
More than 50 minors were charged following a brawl at the Hersheypark theme park opening day last month.
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