Juvenile brawl disrupts Hamilton holiday bash

HAMILTON » A mob of juveniles are probably on Santa’s naughty list after they disrupted the township’s Winter Wonderland celebration.

Cops were called to Kuser Park on Friday night to separate two brawling factions, which had reportedly gotten into a tiff when members tried to sell marijuana to the other group at the park where families gathered for the township’s wellattended, two-day annual holiday event.

The event was supposed to signal the start of the holiday season, with food vendors and a visit from Santa Clause as highlights. Instead it signaled trouble in the usually placid township, which has nearly no instances of violent crime, according to recent State Police crime statistics.

Hamilton Police Lt. Michael Kelvy said initial reports of a gunman turned out to be unfounded. Kelvy said there was “no proof” anyone at the park was packing heat and a firearm wasn’t recovered during police’s investigation, which is ongoing.

No one has been charged but two juveniles, allegedly involved in the brouhaha, could face charges in the future, when police wrap up the probe.

Police officers were stationed at the park for the holiday festivities, which included a tree lighting at Kuser Mansion scheduled to start around 7 p.m.

Around 8:30 p.m., someone alerted officers about two warring factions of underage kids at the park who appeared prepared to trade blows. Police headquarters received phone calls about the apparent throw-down because of the “magnitude” of the situation, Kelvy said, fearing it could possibly erupt into total chaos.

An estimated 20 to 25 kids from the groups had gathered at the park. It was unclear whether blows were traded prior to police officers interrupting the spat.

Kelvy said additional interviews were being conducted Monday before a decision is made on whether to ring up any juveniles on charges.