Fight In "The Willows" Halloween Night In Beacon

Several neighbors in Beacon reported that there was a fight at “The Willows,” which is the loop after Willow Street proper jumps Verplanck. This area is known for its yard displays, usually boasting of fire pits, sometimes interactive candy games, and a temporary haunted house set up in the street. If there are any rumbles or skerfuffles, it is usually not a surprise. This is a destination spot for kids to come from all over Beacon, if kids in Beacon haven’t traveled out, like to Cold Spring or the community across from Dutchess Stadium.

Not all years are teaming with people, as the crowd ebbs and flows with the weather and day of the week. This year Halloween was on a Thursday, which is traditionally an active pre-weekend day, the weather was fine, and crisp orange leaves danced through the air with warm wind gusts. Many kids, teenagers, parents and caregivers were out.

After dark, neighbors reported hearing sirens headed to East Willow, with a report of approximately 4 cop cars plus a “blinky lights car,” is how it was described. Other neighbors reported seeing a fight between two girls, where one girl allegedly opened her jacket or cloak to reveal a gun to whoever was versing her. The neighbors did not know if it was a real gun, or if they actually saw a gun. Young neighbors did not seem surprised to see girls fighting, as they say they see girls fight at Rombout Middle School. Either they allegedly fight, or allegedly talk about scheduling one. Girls have been known to fight on Main Street, as this writer witnessed years ago between two teenage girls with a skateboard. The fight was quickly broken up by a parent, uncle or community member.

Meanwhile, kids with orbie guns were about. Orbie guns, otherwise known as Gel Blaster Guns, look like assault rifles but shoot out plastic orbie circles that never really disintegrate from the earth. Kids of all ages in Beacon have been known to carry these Gel Blasters around Rombout Middle Schools, Memorial Park, the Skate Park during adult baseball games, Loopers Plaza, and other locations where kids gather to have fun. When school let out for summer, Beacon Police Chief Figlia issued a warning to kids and parents not to carry such guns as ALBB reported, as they could be mistaken for a real gun.

Some neighbors also reported seeing what they thought to be a guy in a pig mask trying to sell drugs to trick or treaters, who allegedly got into a few fights himself.

Last year, neighbors reported seeing a man with a flame gun approaching people to shoot their toes. Apparently, he then went into people’s property. Later, some neighbors saw a picture of the man with the flame gun in a mug shot with his outfit still on.

Meanwhile, the infamous trickster guy from Willow Street was out again this year, looking for prey to scare. He stays very still until the unsuspecting person passes him, and then he begins his pursuit.