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12:52 p.m. • 2-11-12

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Law enforcement officers work to keep the fair safe


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Officials with the North Carolina State Fair have re-evaluated security needs following a stabbing Saturday night.

“What happened Saturday was a very rare occurrence. It was an isolated incident that occurred between two people who didn't get along for whatever reason, and we have the personnel out here who can respond to those types of situations,” fair spokesman Brian Long said.

Jaylan O'Quinn McNair was stabbed in the back in an open area between the midway and Dorton Arena, Long said. The Durham teen was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at WakeMed and was released early Sunday.

About 300 law enforcement officers walk the grounds every day at the fair, Long said.

In the first four days of the fair, 274,480 people passed through the gates. With so many people gathering in one place, Long said, crowd safety is always a concern.

Fairground security personnel meet every day to evaluate the security needs.

The fair also has plainclothes officers in the crowd to help deter crime. Surveillance cameras are used to monitor the grounds, and an on-site communications center aims to gets security information out quickly.

“I've seen several police. I've seen them at all entrances coming in. They were actually very cordial (and) spoke to the children, and I've seen them throughout the park as we walked around,” fairgoer Brandon Currin said Monday.

Authorities are still investigating the stabbing. No arrests have been made.

RELATED TOPICS: Durham

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What is funny is that fights, stabbings and shootings have occurred at past NC state fairs but never made the news. My family ran two booths at the state fair for over 20 years and it was a yearly thing. We had numerous law enforcement personnel eat at our booths over the years and the stories they told as well as the injured people we have seen is amazing. Most people have no idea what really goes on at the fair.

Wont be doing the fair this year. Its so expensive, the flu is everywhere, and its hard to enjoy yourself when your looking at every person you pass wondering if they are going to mug you or something.

I wonder how many of these "gang members" were dropped off at the fairgrounds by their moms?

Gangs from Durham The Movie Directed by The Shockmaster.

LOL @ The Shockmaster "Gangs from Durham"...Hello gangs are everywhere!!! Glad to know Durham is the only place with gangs. YEAH RIGHT!!! I have to agree that 1 isolated incident is not bad considering the amount of people that pass through the fair gates daily. GREAT JOB law enforcement keep up the good work!!!

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