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Mob of 400 Invade St. Joachim Carnival; Incident Similar to 2024

Monday, May 12, 2025

N Download 601 W. Browning Road, Bellmawr

BELLMAWR, NJ (May 12, 2025)(CNBNews)-A large and unruly crowd of juveniles and young adults forced the abrupt closure of the beloved annual St. Joachim Carnival on Saturday, May 10, around 8:50 PM. This vibrant celebration, typically held in the expansive parking lot of the church at 601 W. Browning Road, has been a community tradition and a significant fundraiser for the parish over the decades.

According to Bellmawr Police Chief William Perna, an estimated crowd of over 200 people began to gather at around 8:30 PM, drawn in by the sounds of laughter, music, and carnival games. By 9:30 PM, that number had swelled to more than 400 individuals, creating a chaotic scene. Despite police requests for them to disperse, the crowd disregarded the authority, racing back and forth through the carnival grounds, spilling into nearby residential properties and businesses, and obstructing traffic on West Browning Road.

Chief Perna reported distressing incidents amidst the chaos, including an elderly woman who was knocked to the ground, suffering a head injury that necessitated her transport to a nearby hospital for treatment. A juvenile was also struck by a vehicle in the turmoil. The rowdiness caused damage to several cars, shattered a window at a neighboring business, and resulted in the destruction of a flagpole. Although there were alarming rumors of a firearm being present, a thorough investigation revealed these claims to be baseless. In the aftermath, three individuals were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, and simple assault.

This incident echoes a troubling pattern, as similar disturbances involving large gatherings of juveniles and young adults occurred last spring and early summer in Gloucester City, Pennsauken, Gloucester Township and Down the Shore. Those incidents also prompted investigations, but the findings have yet to be made public, leaving the community concerned about the recurring nature of such unrest.

Perna released the following prepared statement:

"As families were enjoying the rides and games at the annual St. Joachim carnival this Saturday night, Officers working security at the event began to notice an influx of juveniles and young adults arriving at the event. Crowds of young people began congregating in large groups both inside and outside of the property around 8:30 PM. This crowd of juveniles and young adults were estimated to be approximately 200+ people.

Chief William Perna

"At approximately 8:50 pm, we began to close down the rides and games. At this time, more juveniles and young adults continued to show up. Officers on scene continued to announce the carnival was closing, and they would have to disperse. Most would walk away, then return shortly after.

"At approximately 9:30 PM, the crowd of juveniles and young adults, now estimated to be approximately 400+ people continued to run throughout the carnival, on several residential properties, businesses, and in the middle of W. Browning Rd. A request for mutual aid was made, and multiple officers from several jurisdictions responded.

"Fights continued to break out over the course of the next two hours, mostly outside of the carnival. The crowds continued to walk through the neighborhood and into Brooklawn. Officers on scene were getting reports of gun shots in the area. Police did not hear any gunshots and could not locate any evidence that a gun was fired. Police had numerous businesses close down in the area for their and their customers' protection.

"An elderly female was knocked over and received a head injury. She had to be transported to a local hospital for treatment. A young juvenile was struck by a car leaving the area, he had non-life threating injuries.

"Several cars, street signs, and windows to a business were damaged. The incident was declared under control at approximately 11:30 PM.

"There were three juveniles arrested on the scene for Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Mischief, and Simple Assault. This incident is currently under investigation by Bellmawr Police.

"I want to thank all responding officers who showed great restraint when dealing with groups of unruly teens/young adults. The lawless groups of unsupervised juveniles and young people ruined a great family-oriented event, which has taken place every May to raise funds for the church."

THE CAMDEN DIOCESE RELEASED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:

"On Behalf of Father Allen Lovell, Parish of Saint Joachim

We are saddened to share that, on the final evening of our annual parish carnival (May 5-10), several unfortunate incidents of rowdy behavior occurred. While we believe those involved were not from our immediate community, their actions caused unnecessary concern for our parish family and our Bellmawr neighbors.

We are deeply grateful to the Bellmawr Police Department, who were present each night of the event and responded swiftly and professionally to maintain order and safety. Their partnership with our parish and ongoing commitment to the well-being of our community is, as always, outstanding.

We sincerely apologize to our neighbors for any distress these incidents may have caused. The carnival is a cherished tradition and serves as the largest fundraiser supporting the many ministries of Saint Joachim Parish. It is our steadfast goal to ensure this event remains a safe, family-friendly celebration.

Looking ahead, we are committed to working with local officials, community partners, and the New Jersey Legislature to explore solutions that will preserve the joyful spirit of our carnival while ensuring a secure environment for all."

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N Download 601 W. Browning Road, Bellmawr

Perna released the following prepared statement:

"As families were enjoying the rides and games at the annual St. Joachim carnival this Saturday night, Officers working security at the event began to notice an influx of juveniles and young adults arriving at the event. Crowds of young people began congregating in large groups both inside and outside of the property around 8:30 PM. This crowd of juveniles and young adults were estimated to be approximately 200+ people.

Chief William Perna

"At approximately 8:50 pm, we began to close down the rides and games. At this time, more juveniles and young adults continued to show up. Officers on scene continued to announce the carnival was closing, and they would have to disperse. Most would walk away, then return shortly after.

"At approximately 9:30 PM, the crowd of juveniles and young adults, now estimated to be approximately 400+ people continued to run throughout the carnival, on several residential properties, businesses, and in the middle of W. Browning Rd. A request for mutual aid was made, and multiple officers from several jurisdictions responded.

"Fights continued to break out over the course of the next two hours, mostly outside of the carnival. The crowds continued to walk through the neighborhood and into Brooklawn. Officers on scene were getting reports of gun shots in the area. Police did not hear any gunshots and could not locate any evidence that a gun was fired. Police had numerous businesses close down in the area for their and their customers' protection.

"An elderly female was knocked over and received a head injury. She had to be transported to a local hospital for treatment. A young juvenile was struck by a car leaving the area, he had non-life threating injuries.

"Several cars, street signs, and windows to a business were damaged. The incident was declared under control at approximately 11:30 PM.

"There were three juveniles arrested on the scene for Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Mischief, and Simple Assault. This incident is currently under investigation by Bellmawr Police.

"I want to thank all responding officers who showed great restraint when dealing with groups of unruly teens/young adults. The lawless groups of unsupervised juveniles and young people ruined a great family-oriented event, which has taken place every May to raise funds for the church."

THE CAMDEN DIOCESE RELEASED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:

"On Behalf of Father Allen Lovell, Parish of Saint Joachim

We are saddened to share that, on the final evening of our annual parish carnival (May 5-10), several unfortunate incidents of rowdy behavior occurred. While we believe those involved were not from our immediate community, their actions caused unnecessary concern for our parish family and our Bellmawr neighbors.

We are deeply grateful to the Bellmawr Police Department, who were present each night of the event and responded swiftly and professionally to maintain order and safety. Their partnership with our parish and ongoing commitment to the well-being of our community is, as always, outstanding.

We sincerely apologize to our neighbors for any distress these incidents may have caused. The carnival is a cherished tradition and serves as the largest fundraiser supporting the many ministries of Saint Joachim Parish. It is our steadfast goal to ensure this event remains a safe, family-friendly celebration.

Looking ahead, we are committed to working with local officials, community partners, and the New Jersey Legislature to explore solutions that will preserve the joyful spirit of our carnival while ensuring a secure environment for all."

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