Florida mother, 36, is charged with inciting 500 person riot at skating rink for very petty reason
A Florida mother has been charged with inciting a riot of more than 400 people at an ice skating rink after owners canceled her daughter’s 18th birthday party.
In May, shocking video footage emerged of the moment a riot broke out at Astro Skate in the Tampa Bay area, resulting in 26 arrests.
On Thursday, police confirmed that Stephanie Pedroso, 36, was arrested after she allegedly used her daughter’s Instagram to encourage as many people as possible to come to the rink.
Pedroso allegedly took revenge on the staff after they cancelled the private party, as they found out it was a bigger event than she had initially disclosed.
She has now been charged with unlawful use of a cell phone, inciting a riot and driving on a suspended license.
Police confirmed Thursday that Stephanie Pedroso, 36, (pictured) was arrested after she allegedly used her daughter’s Instagram to encourage as many people as possible to come to the rink
Pedroso allegedly took revenge on the staff after they cancelled the private party when they found out it was a bigger event than she originally told them.
Astro Skate reportedly asked Pedroso to sign a contract stating that she would hire an agent for off-duty security, which she did not do.
She is also said to have violated ice rink rules by reselling tickets and placing unauthorized advertisements depicting anything other than a children’s party.
According to owner Chris Maganias, Pedroso became angry and started a livestream on her daughter’s Instagram account, urging people to come to the rink and call the police.
βWe had the right to cancel her party and we did,β he said.
‘She came in, panicked, cursed and screamed and posted nonsense about [coming] ‘The next evening to the skating rink.’
Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned Pedroso’s actions on Thursday.
Pedroso has now been charged with unlawful use of a cell phone, inciting a riot and driving on a suspended license.
When about 500 people entered the ice rink and surrounding businesses, officers issued warnings, but ultimately arrested 23 minors and 3 adults for the chaos that ensued
He said: βIt is absolutely reprehensible to use social media to weaponize our youth,β Chronister said during the press conference.
βAs a parent, I can’t imagine what was going through this woman’s mind when she risked her life to cause this chaos.β
The live footage allegedly showed Pedroso making violent threats and offering money to those who took part in the riots.
“For all of you, if you’re going up there, tear them all up. I got some money for all of you, and I’m going to pay you all the fucking bills,” Pedroso reportedly said in the live video.
When about 500 people entered the ice rink and surrounding businesses, officers issued warnings, but ultimately arrested 23 minors and 3 adults for the chaos that ensued
The riot damaged five businesses, including a barbershop. A 16-year-old girl was reportedly thrown through the glass, causing $1,200 in damage.
Chronister said it took deputies six hours to disperse the crowd. He stressed the seriousness of the situation and Hillsborough County’s stance against such acts.
He added: ‘This is a painful reminder of how quickly situations can spiral out of control and it shows the importance of responsible behaviour and the consequences of incitement to violence.’
Florida’s recent law toughening penalties for inciting a riot could put Pedroso in prison for up to five years if found guilty.
Prosecutor Suzy Lopez said, ‘Make no mistake, this case is not about free speech. This case is not about peaceful protesters. This case is about rioters, and in Hillsborough County, we will prosecute rioters.’