CONWAY (KATV) — The Faulkner County NAACP met with parents and community members on Monday night after a large fight happened at Maly’s Entertainment. According to the group’s president Latonya Duncan, teenagers were attacked by adults trying to enter the popular entertainment center Saturday night.
The Conway Police Department said in a Facebook post they are asking the public for any information regarding the incident that occurred at Maly’s at 1040 Maly Curve in Conway.
During Monday night’s meeting, multiple chants of ‘No Justice No Peace’ rang among the crowd. One parent who spoke to the crowd, that did not want her name publicly disclosed, expressed how hurtful this experience has been for their family. She said her son who was at Maly’s never expected a traumatizing situation would ever take place.
“When I get to the facility my son is bleeding, he has stab wounds in his face,” the woman said.
The woman shared the emotional phone call she had with her 16-year-old son who was one of the individuals injured from the fight. She said it was a moment she never wants to relive.
“I get a FaceTime phone call, he’s screaming mom I need help. There’s some grown-ups here attacking all of us.” she said.
Duncan said multiple times this incident was a hate crime. She urged the community to fight with them as they plan to protect the kids involved and their parents.
“Please understand that they are going through a very difficult time, their privacy, their safety, just everything about them. This needs to be very important to us,” Duncan said.
Bobby M. Kelly III, a spokesperson with the city of Conway, said the actions from the adults who attack the kids, among using racial slurs has no place in the city.
“Let’s be clear that the actions, the words, and the slurs do not reflect Conway, our people, our values,” Kelly said.
Many people in crowd on Monday shared this incident will never happen again. Duncan said they will continue to pursue this situation until justice is served. She said they expect to have a large crowd attend Tuesday’s Conway city board meeting.
An official with the city of Conway has asked the public to allow law enforcement to do their jobs. They said this case is still under investigation.
Maly’s Entertainment via Facebook posted a statement. They said “We are deeply saddened by the violent incident that occurred on Saturday night. We unequivocally condemn the acts that took place and will not stand for any form of violence or racism towards our staff and patrons. We want our community to know that we are fully cooperating with the authorities in their investigation and are taking all steps necessary to ensure Maly’s remains a safe and enjoyable place for all. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. “
