California State Fairgrounds security and police deploy pepper spray during brawl
SACRAMENTO CA July 15 2019
California State Fairgrounds security and law enforcement had their hands full on the opening day of the fair and witnesses describe a pretty scary scene that unfolded involving at least 50 teens.
Authorities said that a large brawl broke out at around 10 pm. as families and small children roamed the fair and were close to the fight.
They say the first fight broke out in this area after 10 p.m. last night with a group of about 50 teens throwing punches — not far from families with small children.
Violence had also reared its ugly head during previous years at the fairground and this time around police and security thought that they had everything under control.
Sara Sterner, 36, says she was standing within feet of the fight with her mom and young niece and nephew when the first punches were thrown.
“They had all gathered around the edge of the curb, pushing, shoving, pushing and then you hear them screaming ‘he’s got a knife, he’s got a gun,’” Sterner said.
Sterner says fair security responded within a matter of seconds but breaking up the large group of teenagers wasn’t easy — and pepper spray was deployed.
“It was great until things like this happen and it kind of puts a sour taste in your mouth,” Sterner said.
Cal Expo’s chief of police issued a statement to acknowledging an altercation did occur.
No one was hurt, and the incident was over in roughly 30 seconds,” the statement read.
However, minutes later, another fight reportedly broke out.
This time near the intersection of Exposition Lane and Heritage Boulevard.
“They started fighting in the middle of the road. There were so many,” a witness described.
Witnesses say the fight briefly blocked traffic just as fairgoers were exiting the fairgrounds.
“It got my heart racing. I thought, ‘I don’t know what to do. I’m just going to get myself out of here,’” a witness explained.
Meanwhile, the police chief at the fair says no arrests were made last night and overall opening day was a big success.
