On June 15, the City of Santee hosted its Santee Summer Concerts at the Town Center Community Park with around 1,500 people in attendance when a group of around 100 unsupervised teenagers came to the park during the event. According to a press release from the San Diego County Sheriff’s department, at some point, two teenagers became involved in a fight with each other, with multiple other teenagers joining in the fight with one sustaining minor injuries. During this altercation, one adult tried to detain one of the subjects involved and was assaulted by several other teenagers, according to authorities.
Two people suffered minor injuries and eight suspects were identified in connection with the fight.
During an investigation, authorities reported the crowd of teenagers became unruly. Due to the size of the crowd and the continued hostility, additional deputies responded with the assistance of the Sheriff’s helicopter. The crowd was eventually dispersed, and no other victims were located, authorities said.
According to the release, several people told deputies of another potential assaults that potentially occurred, but deputies were unable to locate additional victims, witnesses, or evidence.
The policy of the Sheriff’s Department is not to release identifying information about minor victims or suspects.
Santee Summer Concerts is scheduled every Thursday through Aug. 17, except for July 6.
Santee officials issues a statement saying the concerts would continue as planned and that city staff, fire department, and the Santee Sheriff’s Department met earlier this week to discuss the incident and ways to implement additional safety protocols to mitigate any further incidents.
The City recommended that event participants keep the following safety tips in mind:
Know where the information booth is located (the City of Santee’s command center for information, emergencies, and lost children).
Know where the exits are located in case of emergency.
Have a safe meeting point picked in case your family or friends get separated.
