Juveniles in custody after fights follow party

ALBANY — Fights and an injury marred the downtown area near a SOWEGA Tax Service-sponsored community block party at 6:40 p.m. Saturday, an Albany Police Department official said.

Five juveniles were taken into custody by police and Quinnika Barkley, no age available, was injured after a fall she had as she ran from the fight, said Phyllis Banks, police spokeswoman.

“Due to several fights occurring in the area everyone was asked to leave the area until things cooled down,” Banks said. “Five juveniles were taken into custody and charged with disorderly conduct. (Dougherty County) EMS responded to the scene and treated (Barkley) for her injuries.”

The party, a thank you to his customers thrown by Alfred Hosely, tax service owner, featured food and the music of the Atlanta Hip-Hop group Travis Porter at the Veterans Park Memorial amphitheater.

It went well until juveniles started fighting at Turtle Park on Front Street, across Oglethorpe Boulevard from Veterans Memorial Park, according to reports.

The fight involving the five juveniles, ranging in age from 13 to 16 then moved from Turtle Park to Ray Charles Plaza and eventually to Oglethorpe Boulevard and Front Street, Banks said.

“The motive behind the fight is unknown at this time,” Banks said.

Hosely could not be reached for comment Sunday. On Saturday before the melee, he said that he would plan another block party for next year.