Knife-wielding teen arrested after police break up large party at Woodlawn Beach

BLASDELL, NY (WIVB) -- An unauthorized beach party at Woodlawn Beach on Monday night drew a massive crowd and forced the shutdown of the popular state park. Officials said the gathering quickly became dangerous, prompting a large police response and one arrest.

Officials said around 7:30 p.m. on Monday, an estimated 1,500 people took to the sand for an unpermitted event that was reportedly promoted on social media.

“I was there for like 30 minutes and then my friend goes, 'I see someone getting punched,' so I'm like, 'Oh.' That's when I ran it with my phone. I started recording everything,” said Mel Taylor, a 19-year-old from Buffalo who was at the beach during the fights.

Taylor said his friend contacted him and said there was a party at Woodlawn Beach.

New York State Park Police said they were monitoring online activity ahead of the event and interviewed potential organizers in an attempt to prevent disruptions.

Despite the efforts, the beach quickly filled with crowds. It escalated into a disorderly scene around 8:30 p.m. and involved multiple fights breaking out, alcohol and participants refusing to follow police orders.

“I don't know what started it, but it was out of control,” Taylor said.

A New York State Park Police report obtained by WIVB News 4 said a female witness stated she was punched, kicked and threatened with a knife. The alleged perpetrator, 18-year-old Jaiden Page of Buffalo, was the only person taken into custody. Page was charged with assault and menacing with a weapon.

“I came to the beach to have a relaxing day, you know, I did not know this was going to happen," Taylor said. "It's really upsetting that this happened. It makes our city look really disgusting to be honest."

Escalating safety concerns resulted in eight separate law enforcement agencies to respond to the beach.

“They rushed the beach with mace and started spraying everybody," Taylor said. "My friend’s sister got sprayed with mace. It was just crazy."

Officials made the decision to close the beach. It was opened on Tuesday. Officials said they do not believe the incident is connected to the Canalside shooting that also occurred on Monday night.

“It is all just crazy. We just need to stop the violence," Taylor said. "Everybody needs to find something to do. Fighting is not the option. Shooting like this is just ridiculous. We are only hurting each other in the end."

An investigation into the organizers of the event remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the New York State Park Police at (716) 278-1777.