Large Fight at Memorial Park Pavilion in Arcadia Leaves Multiple Injured; Machete-Wielding Suspect Arrested

Large Fight at Memorial Park Pavilion in Arcadia Leaves Multiple Injured; Machete-Wielding Suspect Arrested

ARCADIA, Fla. — A chaotic scene unfolded early Sunday morning at Memorial Park Pavilion, where a massive brawl involving approximately 20 to 30 people erupted and left several individuals injured, according to the Arcadia Police Department (APD).

Authorities say that around 1:09 a.m., dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting a violent altercation at the popular community gathering spot. Witnesses described a scene of escalating tension that quickly turned physical, with reports indicating a wide-scale melee involving dozens of people.

As officers rushed to the scene, they were informed that one of the individuals involved was armed with a machete. Upon arrival, police found several people injured, though fortunately none of the injuries were believed to be life-threatening. Emergency medical personnel responded immediately and transported four individuals to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Tensions Erupt Into Violence

The cause of the large-scale fight is still under investigation, but police say it appeared to be a confrontation that quickly got out of control. Witnesses reported seeing people throw punches, wrestle on the ground, and scream for help as the situation spiraled into chaos. The presence of a machete significantly escalated the threat level, prompting police to call for backup and secure the area.

Officers worked diligently to separate participants, interview witnesses, and identify any suspects connected to the violence.

Machete-Wielding Suspect Arrested

After an hours-long investigation and a focused search, police confirmed that the individual believed to have wielded the machete was located and arrested around 10:35 a.m. Sunday morning. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, the suspect’s name has not been released at this time.

Law enforcement has not yet confirmed what role the suspect played in the broader fight, but investigators are working to determine whether the use of the weapon was premeditated or a spontaneous act of aggression during the altercation.

Community Response and Police Statement

The incident has shocked the Arcadia community, especially given that Memorial Park is a common location for family outings, social gatherings, and peaceful community events.

“This level of violence is unacceptable, particularly in a public park where families and residents gather to feel safe,” said an Arcadia Police Department spokesperson. “We are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the incident and we are committed to holding all responsible parties accountable.”

Police have also stated that more arrests could be forthcoming as they work through witness statements, surveillance footage, and other evidence from the scene.

Public Asked to Come Forward

Arcadia Police are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the fight or has video footage from Memorial Park during the early morning hours of Sunday, June 29, to come forward and assist in the investigation.

Community members can contact the Arcadia Police Department directly or provide information anonymously through local Crime Stoppers channels.