Town Shuts Down Skating Rink In Wake of Violence

The Union Township council voted unanimously to shut down the Skate 22 roller skating rink -- scene of a fatal shooting the morning after Christmas.  
  
In an emergency Sunday meeting on the business' Entertainment Permit, Police Chief Thomas Kraemer said conditions the morning of the shooting -- and a few hours earlier -- constituted a breach of the peace.

In addition, Kraemer said a series of assaults, fights and unruly crowds over the past year – at least seven in total -- contributed to his recommendation that the rink be shut down. 
  
Sixteen-year-oldJean D'Haiti was shot and killed in the parking lot early Friday in an incident still under investigation by the Union County prosecutor. No arrest for the shooting has been made. 
   
The owner of Skate 22, Phillip Walker, asked through his attorney for a closed-door session with the council to discuss further security measures. 
  
But township attorney Daniel Antonelli said, "there has never been enough security" at Skate 22, adding, "basically what we have is an owner who hears no evil, sees no evil."
  
The council vote to revoke the license followed approximately 20 minutes of discussion in executive session.
  
The owner's attorney, Darren Gelber, says a lawsuit against Union Township is likely.

Contact Us