OAK GROVE, Minn. — Lake George Regional Park in Oak Grove will be closed through Sunday after a second incident this week involving a large group with fights breaking out, according to the Anoka County Sheriff's Office.
The first incident, according to the Sheriff's Office, closed the park Monday, after a group of "more than 100" young adults were "disorderly" and fighting.
The second incident came Friday afternoon, when the Anoka County Sheriff's Office says deputies were called to reports of an "unruly" group with a DJ and found about 200 people, in their late teens or early 20s, in the beach area with fights breaking out in "multiple areas of the park."
Backup from other law enforcement agencies was called in and the group was told to leave.
The Sheriff's Office says they attempted to use a public address system to notify park goers that the park was closing. However, after some time was given, deputies say many remained and refused to leave, with reports of one man in possession of a firearm, and others climbing on top of the roof of a park bathroom.
The Sheriff's Office says when they did not leave, law enforcement tossed a smoke canister. Then, they said, a "very large crowd" still refused to leave, so they used tear gas, which then dispersed the group.
Authorities say medical staff were on site to assist with any potential injuries, but only one individual appears to have sought help. This individual did not require transportation to a local hospital, and was released at the scene.
As of yet, authorities say no one is in custody.
Lake George Regional Park is the site of a popular beach and boat launch, both of which remain closed this weekend along with the park's closure.