‘It is anarchy’: Graphic video shows chaotic brawl outside Brandon skating rink after event canceled
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office released a video showing chaotic moments during a fight that broke out after a skating rink canceled an after-party event.
The agency said it arrested 29 people—six adults and 23 minors—after the incident, which happened at Astro Skate, 750 W. Robertson Street, where a crowd of 400 to 500 people had gathered. No fights happened inside the rink.
Astro Skate canceled the event after learning there would not be enough security. The business’ policy requires a certain number of off-duty HCSO deputies at those types of events.
“We looked at it Friday night and canceled her event, gave her, her refund back. She was very irate, calling us names. Then, the next day she got online and told the kids to show up to the skating rink anyway and, ‘act a fool,’ so they acted a fool,” said the owner, Chris Maganias.
Warning: This video contains violent content that some readers might find disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.
Maganias said he saw a huge line outside of the rink. There were already 550 kids inside, so they decided nobody else was coming in.
“They come walking in out of the darkness and we tell them to get a ride and go home and they scream profanity and say whatever. I don’t know how much else we can do. We took all the measures,” he said.
Officials said the crowd was ordered to leave the area, but refused. People were accused of fighting, stealing and disrupting and damaging businesses.
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One group that was involved in the brawl broke off from the crowd and ended up at a nearby barbershop. A video posted on social media showed the group beating and stomping on a juvenile.
He was thrown through a glass window, and left with a large gash on his hand. He was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
“There was a commotion out there. The guys seemed to be doing something. I couldn’t see well, but you know I thought they were playing at that time. And suddenly, I see them coming there, to the barbershop here. They were fighting,” said Sergio Ariel Alonso, a barber at the shop.
Another group was accused of stealing and destroying hundreds of dollars worth of wine bottles and other store merchandise.
“I’m utterly outraged by that kind of behavior. It is anarchy, it is chaos,” said Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer.
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Astro is now operating on its normal business hours.
The sheriff’s office said more arrests could be made during their investigation.
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