Graduation party melee in Apple Valley results in criminal charges
Eight juveniles and one adult have been charged with various crimes in connection with the massive fight that broke out during a high school graduation party earlier this summer at the Hayes Community and Senior Center in Apple Valley.
An estimated 50 to 100 young people were outside the city-owned building at 14601 Hayes Road when the fight erupted at about 9:45 p.m. Friday, June 1.
No weapons were used by those fighting, though Apple Valley police reported that up to 100 people were involved in the fisticuffs and they were resisting officers’ attempts to disperse the raging crowd.
Because of the size of the disturbance, the initial responding officers requested assistance from police in surrounding communities to help restore order.
Officers used a taser gun to subdue one 15-year-old male who refused to comply with officers’ commands. He was then arrested.
Police said the individuals involved in the fight were attending a private graduation party being hosted at the facility.
The fighting didn’t end at the community center. Many of the individuals involved in the fight left the scene and walked to an adjacent neighborhood, where the brawling continued, police reported. These individuals were arrested.
And later that night, at 10:15 p.m., officers responded to a report of a fight at the McDonald’s restaurant at 7667 150th St., which was believed to be related to the fight at the community center. These individuals fled prior to the arrival of police.
On July 9, the Dakota County Attorney’s Office filed disorderly conduct charges against eight juveniles: two 17-year-olds and a 15-year-old from Apple Valley; two Minneapolis youths, ages 16 and 17; two Jordan youths, ages 14 and 16; and a 15-year-old from Brooklyn Park.
Among those charged with disorderly conduct, two face an additional charge. The 15-year-old from Apple Valley is also charged with assault; the Brooklyn Park teen is accused of providing a false name to police.
Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom said that under Minnesota law the names of juveniles being prosecuted in this case, as well as their court dates, are not public information.
One adult – 18-year-old Emmanuel L. Riley of Apple Valley – was cited for disorderly conduct by Apple Valley police in connection with the fight, and his case is being prosecuted by the Apple Valley city attorney. Riley’s first court appearance is scheduled for July 27.
