Four teenagers were taken into custody and two others were hospitalized following a disturbance at a South Side roller skate rink Saturday night.
Police initially responded at about 8:10 p.m. after fights were reported at The Rink Fitness Factory. Officers found the highly overcrowded rink hosting their monthly dance party, police said. Officials did not see any fighting, but had to shut down East 87th Street between South Greenwood Avenue and South Kenwood Avenue for about 30 minutes to clear out the premises.
The Rink Fitness Factory, at 1122 E. 87th St., is a roller rink with a 900-person capacity, but officials on scene said there were about 4,000 kids between 11 and 14 years old on the premises -- including about 1,000 inside the rink.
Four teenage boys were taken into custody -- three for municipal violations and one for battery against a security guard, police said.
One victim who suffered head injuries after he was trampled was taken to University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Fire Media Affairs Larry Langford said. Another teen was also trampled, but suffered less serious injuries and was transported to South Shore Hospital. Their conditions were not available.
One of the victims was 13 years old.
A spokeswoman with The Rink said there were no fights, but that there is always a large crowd for 1st Saturday, a monthly dance party. She declined to comment further.
Citations for overcrowding and not having enough security are pending for the popular skating rink, police said.
