+34
Bedford police are instituting security measures at summer festivals, including the upcoming Strawberry Festival, by enforcing restrictions on minors attending without adult supervision.
BEDFORD, Ohio - Bedford police are continuing security measures at summer festivals, including the upcoming Strawberry Festival, by enforcing restrictions on minors attending without adult supervision.
The department prohibits anyone under 18 from attending city festivals without a parent or chaperone.
“We had a great summer. We had a lot of nice events and no problems at all. So that’s what we’re really hoping for this year. That’s what we’re expecting,” said Det.
Lt. Mark Witkiewicz of the Bedford Police Department. The restrictions follow a surge in shootings and teen violence that have disrupted events in recent years. Last year, a shooting at the Cuyahoga County Fair injured an 18-year-old.
Also last year, hundreds of young people left a Mayfield Heights festival and started fighting. Other cities have implemented similar policies. Van Aken District in Shaker mandates a chaperone over 25 years old for any minor after 4 p.m. each day.
“It is only a just a precaution. We definitely want them to come. We definitely want them to have a good time. Just remember it is a family atmosphere and that’s the goal of trying to keep that small town homey kind of feel,” Witkiewicz said.
Bedford police will have officers patrolling the festival. If they see groups of kids under 18 without a chaperone, they will be told to leave. Summit County man charged with rape, murder; victim identifiedTeen arrested for allegedly trying to hide gun used at Old West End Festival shootingArraignment for 80-year-old accused in shooting at Geauga County dog park after ‘political’ argument
Scratch the next story
Security Festivals Bedford Ohio Bedford Police Department Police Department Bedford Police Det. Lt. Mark Witkiewicz Det. Lt. Mark Witkiewicz Bedford Strawberry Festival Strawberry Festival Kirtalnd Strawberry Festival Bedford Mayfield Heights Cuyahoga County Fair
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
U.S. Soccer Legends to Appear at FIFA Fan Festival in Houston Ahead of 2026 World CupHouston's FIFA Fan Festival will host a series of meet‑and‑greet sessions with former U.S. men's national team stars, including DaMarcus Beasley, Clint Dempsey, Cobi Jones and others, while offering live match broadcasts and interactive activities throughout the 2026 World Cup tournament.
Read more »
Future Frames Unveils 10 Young European Filmmakers Joining the Karlovy Vary Film Festival ProgramFuture Frames, a program for young European filmmaking talent, will return to the Karlovy Vary Film Festival next month.
Read more »
Pick-your-own strawberry season returns to Gro-Moore Farms in RushA popular summertime tradition is returning Tuesday.
Read more »
Our Lady of Peace ramps up security for Parish festival following Toledo festival shootingIt's a big year for the Our Lady of Peace Parish Festival: the major fundraiser moved up the festivities several weeks in order to bring back rides for the first time since before the pandemic.
Read more »