Eighteen people were arrested Saturday evening at the Latin Festival in Worcester, Massachusetts.
Police said officers working detail at the event had first started monitoring large groups of rival gangs that had been attempting to start fights with one another.
Authorities said at 6:30 p.m., several gunshots were heard coming from Main and Chatham Streets where a large group dispersed when police arrived.
One 18-year-old man was still on the scene suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Following the shooting, other officers responded to disperse another large group of rival youths who had started fighting.
Authorities said many would not listen to the officer's commands to leave the area while others confronted police.
Officials said there were numerous other fights at the festival including one where a 17-year-old boy punched a juvenile in the face then tried to flee the scene. When officers tried to chase the suspect, police noticed he was holding a 12-inch kitchen knife. Police said officers had to tackle him to the ground and eventually were able to place him under arrest.
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Another fight involved a 20-year-old Worcester man who police said was struck in the head with a beer bottle. He was also taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Police were eventually able to gain control of the scene and arrested 18 people. Those arrested ranged from 15-21 years of age. Officials said several suspects were in possession of large knives. Charges for those arrested range from assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct, possession of a dangerous weapon and resisting arrest.
