(NECN: John Moroney) - Canobie Lake Park is one of the best-known spots in New England for family fun, but Monday, members of a Vermont family were arrested there for allegedly attacking two police officers after they refused to return a couple of knives they were carrying to their car for safe keeping.
Police said the incident started around 1:30 p.m., when the Perry family was told by security they could not bring two knives that were attached to the belts of family members into the park per park policy and for the safety of other guests.
Several members of the family then became "extremely belligerent," according to police, and two Salem officers working a detail at the park were called to the front gate. One of the family members, later identified as Joshua Perry, then became even more belligerent, yelling profanities in front of guests, including families and children. After several warnings, he was told that he was being placed under arrest. While attempting to handcuff him, police said Joshua Perry became combative toward the arresting officer. Several other family members then attacked both officers, jumping on their backs, punching and kicking them and grabbing for their weapons. During the attack and fight, other family members were yelling profanities at the officers.
The officers radioed for assistance and numerous on-duty Salem police arrived and were able to get the situation under control.
Once the backup officers arrived, police said the mother of the family faked a seizure. She was looked at by Salem Fire Department paramedics and released at the scene.
Five family members were taken into custody on numerous charges.
- Joshua Perry, 23, of Sutton, Vermont was charged with riot, resisting arrest with serious injury, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.
- Brian Perry, 18, of Lyndonville, Vermont was charged with riot, simple assault on a police officer and resisting arrest.
- E. Allan Perry, 45, of Lyndon, Vermont was charged with riot, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, second degree assault and criminal trespass.
- Damian Perry, 18, of Lyndonville, Vermont was charged with disorderly conduct and criminal trespass.
- Ashley Perry, 20, of Sutton, Vermont was charged with disorderly conduct.
Joshua, Brian and E. Allan Perry were arraigned Tuesday morning in Salem District Court, and their bail was set at $10,000 cash. Damian and Ashley Perry were released Monday on $5,000 personal recognizance bail.
Salem Police said one officer sustained bumps, bruises, cuts and scrapes, while the other sustained a serious injury, believed to be a separated shoulder, and had to be taken by ambulance to Parkland Medical Center in Derry. He was treated and released later in the day.
Canobie Lake Park issued the following statement on Tuesday:
"On June 16, 2014 at approximately 1:30pm, Canobie Lake Park Security Officers and on-duty Salem Police Officers responded to an incident taking place outside of the Park’s main entrance gates. While passing through a security bag check, it was discovered that a guest possessed a restricted item. The guest became unruly and the situation quickly escalated resulting in a physical altercation. Our immediate concern is for the officers that were injured during this event. At no time were any guests in danger. The Park considers this a police matter and we ask that all further inquiries or requests for interview be directed to the Salem Police Department."
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