Charges coming in bazaar melee

PLYMOUTH – Charges and citations will be issued next week regarding a melee believed to have been racially charged that broke out at the Good Will Hose Co. No. 2 Bazaar in Plymouth on Saturday night.

According to borough police officer Michael Derwin, the fight broke out around 11:20 p.m. on the grounds of the West Main Street fire company. Derwin said several neighboring police departments were called to assist. He said that in addition to Plymouth police, officers from Swoyersville, Forty Fort, Kingston, Edwardsville, Larksville and Luzerne were on the scene.

Derwin said he expects a full report to be completed by early next week, at which time charges and/or citations will be filed. He said that according to preliminary information, he believes the fight was racially charged.

Police had to shut down the bazaar and get those not involved with the fight to leave. Derwin said officers used a Taser on several people involved in the melee.

"There was a big tent in the middle of the grounds," Derwin said. "It was loaded with people and a lot of children."

Derwin said security precautions were being taken by fire house personnel. He said everyone entering the bazaar grounds was checked with a hand-held wand metal detector.

Derwin said police had heard there could be retaliation at the bazaar stemming for the July 7 triple homicide in Plymouth. Extra security personnel were hired for the bazaar. But Derwin said the melee was not related to the reports of retaliation.