Busch Gardens requiring chaperones during Howl-O-Scream after recent violence

The video above is from our initial reporting of the stabbing incident on Sept. 14.

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY) — Busch Gardens has implemented a chaperone policy for those 15 years old and younger for the reminder of Howl-O-Scream, due to safety concerns after recent incidents.

This new policy comes after a teen was stabbed during a fight in the France area of the park on Sept. 14. An employee reported a fight just before 10 p.m. that night. During the investigation, an 18-year-old told officers he was stabbed.

WAVY viewer Andrew Eger was at Busch Gardens and captured video of police arriving on scene just after 10 p.m. on the night of.

Another incident occurred the week before when police were called to the park for a “verbal dispute/altercation” between two large groups, primarily involving juveniles and young adults on the second night of Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream.

Starting on Friday, all visitors ages 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by a chaperone at least 21 years old when attending the park after 4 p.m. on Howl-O-Scream event nights.

“The safety of guests and team members has always been a top priority at Busch Gardens Williamsburg,” the park states, in an email.

The chaperones are required to remain inside the park for the full duration and must be available by phone.

Attendees 15 years or younger who are found inside the park without a chaperone who is not in the park and available by phone will be subject to removal without refund.

If you are at least 16 years old, you must be able to present a valid government-issued photo ID with date of birth prior to park entry. If unable to verify proof of age, guests may be denied entry into the park.

The chaperone policy goes into effect from Friday, Sept. 20 – Nov. 3 during Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Howl-O-Scream.

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