Police arrest 4 juveniles at Gaithersburg’s Summerfest 

Machete, knives, replica handgun recovered during event at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm

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June 29, 2026 6:49 p.m.

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Four juveniles were arrested and several weapons including a machete, knives and a replica handgun were recovered at Gaithersburg’s Fourth of July celebration Summerfest on Saturday, after there were “several disturbances involving groups of unaccompanied juveniles,” according to a statement from Gaithersburg police on Monday.  

Four juveniles were arrested and two were detained in separate incidents for offences including disorderly conduct, trespassing, resisting arrest and possession of weapons, Gaithersburg police spokesperson Dan Lane told Bethesda Today on Monday via email. The minors were processed at the Gaithersburg police station, Lane said, and released to their parents. Police recovered knives, a machete and a replica handgun.  

According to the Gaithersburg city website, the celebration occurred at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm from 6 to 11 p.m. The event included fireworks, live music and activities. 

As the evening continued, Lane said, the “size and behavior of the crowds created increasing safety concerns for attendees, staff and the juveniles themselves.”  

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After consultation between city departments, Lane said, Summerfest was ended early out of an “abundance of caution.”  

Bethesda Today inquired about the ages of those arrested and Lane said the department was limited in identifying information they can share because those involved were minors.   

“A full, multi‑department review is underway, and we will be developing recommendations regarding future Summerfest planning and safety measures based on that assessment,” Lane said.  

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Originally published at Bethesdamagazine