A Friday night at the Merrick carnival ended with flashing police lights instead of just funnel cake and Ferris wheels, after an alleged attack that left two teens hurt and one in the hospital with a concussion. Nassau police say a 13-year-old girl assaulted a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old near the rides around 9:30 p.m., and officers later took the juvenile into custody. The incident has shaken families who were at the fair and drew a quick response from county officials and the carnival operator.
What police say
According to Nassau police, the 13-year-old is accused of attacking a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old near the Merrick carnival at about 9:30 p.m. The 15-year-old, who lives in Franklin Square, was allegedly struck several times and taken to a hospital with a concussion. The 13-year-old now faces two counts of assault in the third degree and is expected to appear in Family Court at a later date, according to News 12.
Family account and county response
The victim’s mother, Kelly Moran, told News 12 the attack was "horrifying" and said the final stomp to her daughter’s head "could've resulted in death." Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said authorities "will not tolerate any violence against anybody in our county" at mass gatherings and promised that investigators would seek out and prosecute those responsible.
Carnival operator says security was present
Dreamland Amusements, the company behind the Merrick Train Station carnival, lists the Merrick stop on its event schedule and states that children must be accompanied by an adult. Its posted policies say police and private security are available at many fairs. The event page for the Merrick location includes dates, hours and safety rules, along with a reminder that police and/or security are available to assist guests, according to Dreamland Amusements.
Legal context
Assault in the third degree, the charge cited by police, is defined under New York law as intentionally or recklessly causing physical injury and is classified as a class A misdemeanor, according to Justia. Juvenile delinquency cases are generally handled in Family Court, which emphasizes treatment and supervision for minors rather than adult criminal penalties, per New York Courts.
What’s next
Police say the investigation is ongoing and that the juvenile is slated to appear in Family Court at a later date. Officials are urging parents to closely supervise children at crowded events and to contact Nassau County police with any information related to the case.
