Tampa Mother Charged With Inciting 500 Person Riot At Astro Skate
A Florida mother was arrested and charged with inciting a riot of upwards of 500 people at Astro Skate after owners cancelled her daughter’s 18th birthday party. The shocking video footage went viral back in May showing the moment the riot broke out at Astro Skate in Brandon which led to 26 arrests. More than 40 deputies showed up to break up the riot but ultimately arrested 23 juveniles and 3 adults for the ensuing chaos.
Tampa Mother Charged With Inciting 500 Person Riot:
Stephanie Pedroso, 36, was arrested Thursday after she used her daughter’s social media to terrorize Astro Skate because they cancelled her daughter’s birthday. According to the TampaBayTimes, Pedroso said, she wanted anyone to “tear the f**k out of them” and during the attack went live on Instagram saying, “I’ve got some money for y’all.” She tried to get as many people as possible to turn up to the rink. Pedroso was upset after staff cancelled the party once they realized it was a larger event than she originally told them. Astro Skate asked Pedroso to sign a contract stipulating that she had to hire an off-duty officer to keep everybody safe, which she failed to do.
What Happened After She Was Charged:
Astro Skate also caught wind that she was allegedly reselling tickets and posting flyers advertising that it wasn’t a kids’ private party. The owner Chris Maganias said, Pedroso was very angry about the party being cancelled and came into the establishment yelling and screaming. The melee caused a massive amount of damage to five businesses in total. One barber shop window was destroyed when a 16-year-old girl was thrown through the glass, costing $1,200 worth of damages. She is now facing serious felony charges including inciting a riot and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. Many others who were arrested are being charged with trespassing, resisting arrest and battery on a law enforcement officer.
