A Florida mother has been charged with inciting a riot of more than 400 people at a skating rink after the owners canceled her daughter’s 18th birthday party.
Shocking video footage emerged in May showing the moment the Astro Skate riot broke out in the Tampa Bay area, leading to the arrest of 26 people.
Police confirmed Thursday that Stephanie Pedroso, 36, was arrested after using her daughter’s Instagram to encourage as many people as possible to come to the rink.
Pedroso was said to be seeking revenge on the staff after they cancelled the private party when they discovered it was a bigger event than she originally told them.
She has now been charged with unlawful use of a cell phone, inciting a riot and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
Police confirmed on Thursday that Stephanie Pedroso, 36 (pictured), was arrested after she reportedly used her daughter’s Instagram to encourage as many people as possible to flock to the rink.
Pedroso was said to be seeking revenge on the staff after they cancelled the private party when they discovered it was a bigger event than he originally told them.
Astro Skate reportedly asked Pedroso to sign a contract stipulating that she would hire an off-duty officer for security, which she did not do.
He also allegedly broke track rules by reselling tickets and posting unauthorized advertisements depicting something other than a children’s party.
According to owner Chris Maganias, Pedroso became angry and started a live stream on his daughter’s Instagram urging people to go to the track and confront the police.
“We were within our rights to cancel his party and that’s what we did,” he said.
‘She came in, got mad, swore, screamed and posted nonsense about (coming) to the skating rink the next night.’
Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned Pedroso’s actions Thursday.
Pedroso has now been charged with unlawful use of a cell phone, inciting a riot and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
As about 500 people descended on the skating rink and surrounding businesses, officers issued warnings but ultimately arrested 23 juveniles and three adults for the ensuing chaos.
“Using social media to weaponize our youth is absolutely deplorable,” Chronister said at the news conference.
“As a father, I cannot understand what went through this woman’s mind when she put lives at risk to cause this chaos.”
The live video allegedly showed Pedroso making violent threats and offering money to those who participated in the riot.
“If they’re still there, kill them all. I got some money for you and I’ll pay your asses,” Pedroso reportedly said in the live video.
As about 500 people descended on the skating rink and surrounding businesses, officers issued warnings but ultimately arrested 23 juveniles and three adults for the ensuing chaos.
The riot caused damage to five businesses, including a barbershop where a 16-year-old girl was reportedly thrown through the glass, resulting in $1,200 worth of damage.
Chronister said it took officers 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 stark reminder of how quickly situations can spiral out of control and shows the importance of responsible behaviour and the consequences of inciting violence.”
Florida’s recent law toughening penalties for inciting a riot could mean up to five years in prison for Pedroso if convicted.
State Attorney Suzy Lopez He 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.”