Three arrested after CNE closed early on ‘Youth Day’
Three people were arrested after the Canadian National Exhibition closed early on Youth Day.
Two of them have since been released, Toronto police told CityNews on Wednesday. One person is facing drug possession charges, while two are charged with assaulting police.
Rides and games were shut down as dozens of police officers entered the grounds to disperse crowds at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The fair usually closes its doors at 10 p.m., but continues operating activities until midnight.
The organization linked the closure to ‘overcrowding.’
“The CNE is experiencing one of the busiest nights of the Fair as a result of the popularity of Youth Day,” a statement from the organization read in part. “CNE organizers are winding own operations early as a proactive measure to curtail overcrowding and ensure the safety of our guests.”
As people flooded the streets, a fight broke out at Dufferin and King streets. One person was slashed in the nose with a knife.
Correction: It was initially reported that two people were arrested after the incident at Dufferin and King. In fact, they were arrested at the CNE. No arrests have been made in the stabbing.
Please note the CNE is closing early tonight. Stand by for updates.
— CNE (@LetsGoToTheEX) August 31, 2016
Lights out early at CNE. They say it's because of overcrowding. We saw police on site and people running around 9:30 pic.twitter.com/cupPdhSnGn
— Ginella Massa (@Ginella_M) August 31, 2016
People on social media reported hearing gunshots, but police found no evidence of a shooting.
The fair was hosting its annual Youth Day, which offers reduced $6 cover for fair-goers 17 years and under before 3 p.m. The event also included special performances from artists Scott Helman and Tyler Shaw.
Read the full statement from the CNE below:
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