JACKSON, Wyo. — The Jackson Police Department (JPD) is seeking information from the public regarding violent incidents involving juveniles and young adults that occurred locally earlier this month.
According to a press release issued by JPD on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the agency responded to a disturbance at the Teton County Community Center (located on the Fairgrounds) at 11 p.m. on Nov. 9.
“Officers arrived and located two injured parties,” the release reads. “The disturbance was determined to be a fight between a large group of mostly juveniles and some young adults. It is our understanding that all injured parties were treated and released by medical personnel.”
JPD said it has been investigating the fight since then, resulting in the arrest of one adult for aggravated assault and “several referrals” to the Teton County Juvenile Court for additional charges. As the investigation continues, JPD is seeking additional witnesses, and suspects.
Videos of the altercation have been circulating through the community. JPD is seeking the individuals who shot the videos “as they are crucial witnesses to this incident,” according to the release.
It’s possible that the Fairgrounds fight was not an isolated incident; according to reporting by the Jackson Hole News&Guide, a fight that occurred on Teton Pass on Nov. 8 is under investigation by the Teton County Sheriff’s Office and could have involved some of the same participants.
JPD Chief Michelle Weber said via press release that the goal is to keep Jackson safe for everyone.
“The police department recognizes that incidents of this nature are disturbing, particularly if the incident and related videos have been viewed by young audiences,” the release states. “The JPD would like to take this opportunity to remind parents to be engaged with their children when it comes to solving problems and to remind youth in our community that violence is never the answer and to seek other means to settle differences.”
Anyone disturbed by the event and/or its depictions is encouraged to seek support. Contact JPD for support, or to discuss pertinent information, at (307) 733-1430 ext. 1220.
