PLYMOUTH – A rapid, coordinated response by local law enforcement kept children and families safe Friday night when a disturbance broke out during Plymouth’s downtown Trick-or-Treat event, with no injuries and no arrests reported.
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Plymouth Police Chief Louis Banks said Tyrrell-Washington Partnership for Children and Garden Spot Cafe hosted the event on Friday, October 30, 2026. Originally scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., it was extended to 8:30 p.m. to give families more time to enjoy the celebration. The event was intended to provide a safe, family-friendly setting for Halloween fun.
At about 7:05 p.m., a physical altercation involving several teenagers broke out on West Water Street. Plymouth Police Captain Kevin Phelps, Washington County Sheriff Arlo Norman and several sheriff’s deputies were nearby when it happened and responded immediately, dispersing the group. Chief Banks said he, Sergeant Ryan White and Detective Mika Martinez also responded to assist.
When additional reports of fights came in from the downtown area, officials put public safety first. Police believe some of the incidents involved people from the group that had been dispersed. Because of the continued disturbances, the decision was made to end the event early as a precaution.
Banks credited the officers and deputies on scene.
“I also want to thank the officers of the Plymouth Police Department, along with Sheriff Arlo Norman and his deputies, for their quick response and assistance in addressing these disturbances,” he said. “Their efforts helped bring the situation under control and maintain public safety.”
The chief said keeping families safe is the department’s top concern.
“Our priority will always be the safety of our citizens, especially our children,” Banks said. “We want families to feel comfortable attending community events, and we will continue working with our community partners to provide a safe environment for everyone.”
Banks said he was disappointed the evening ended early. “It is disappointing that an event intended to provide a safe and enjoyable evening for our children and families had to be cut short because of the actions of a group of teenagers,” he said.
He said the event had been going well beforehand. “Prior to these disturbances, the event was going well, and families were enjoying an evening of Halloween activities in downtown Plymouth,” Banks said. “Unfortunately, the actions of a few individuals disrupted what had otherwise been a positive community event.”
“Events like this are meant to bring our community together, and it is unfortunate when the behavior of a small group takes away from the experience of so many children and families who came out to enjoy themselves,” he said.
He also thanked the organizers. “I want to personally thank the Tyrrell-Washington Partnership for Children and Garden Spot Cafe for their efforts in organizing and hosting this event for our community,” Banks said. “Their dedication to providing activities for our children and families is greatly appreciated, and it is unfortunate that the actions of a few individuals brought the evening to an early conclusion.”
Banks encouraged families to help keep future events safe.
“We encourage parents and guardians to speak with their children about appropriate behavior at public events and the importance of respecting others,” Banks said. “These events are provided for the enjoyment of our entire community, and everyone has a responsibility to help keep them safe.”
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