BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Police in Bethlehem say four people are facing charges after a replica gun was found at a city park after a fight between juveniles.
It happened Monday at Yosko Park, according to a news release from the Bethlehem Police Department.
Police say they received information about a potential planned fight at the park and began monitoring the area using city camera systems.
Officers saw a fight involving multiple juveniles around 6:45 p.m., city police said.
Bethlehem Police said a boy was seen handling a backpack that appeared to contain a firearm. Police said the juvenile was later seen taking an item out of the backpack and putting it in his waistband before going towards the fight.
As officers responded to the scene, the item was returned to the backpack, according to city police.
When they arrived at the park, officers detained a woman who had the backpack, as part of the investigation, according to the news release.
City police said a large crowd gathered in and around the park and along East 6th Street around this time, and members of the crowd began yelling at officers.
Officers gave commands for the crowd to move back and took steps to maintain safety at the scene, police said.
Police said the situation was brought under control. Authorities secured and searched the backpack after a warrant was issued, police said.
Detectives found a replica airsoft pistol, according to city police. Authorities did not find a functional firearm, police said.
Police said a second woman was also taken into custody for obstruction-related offenses during the incident and was later released pending authorities issuing a summons.
According to city police, charges are pending against two adults and two juveniles after a review and consultation with the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and may result in additional arrests.