Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, June 4, 1990 TAG: 9006040335
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A3 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: LAURENCE HAMMACK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
More than 30 festival-goers were arrested over the past two weekends on charges such as being drunk in public, assault, theft and property damage, police said today.
Although police and hospital officials said the number of incidents at this year's festival was larger than previous years, Festival in the Park Executive Director Wendi Turner questioned that assessment.
"I think we had a very calm year this year compared to others," Turner said today.
Turner said that some disorder is expected whenever there is a large gathering of people. Police estimated the crowd at the two-weekend festival to be at least 12,000.
Wanda Ostrander, emergency room supervisor at Community Hospital, said the hospital treated more festival-related injuries this year than last.
Although she did not have exact figures, Ostrander said at least six people were treated Saturday for injuries they apparently received from thrown bottles and rocks.
Most of the people arrested over the weekend were charged with being drunk in public. Other charges and incidents under investigation included carrying concealed weapons, car theft, disorderly conduct and assaulting police officers.
A police spokesman said a majority of the problems seem to stem from the beer gardens. But Turner pointed out that many of the incidents have happened in areas other than where alcohol is served.
One of the most serious incidents happened the night of May 25 after a concert and fireworks display at Victory Stadium.
Police said a Hardy man was beaten with a tire iron following an argument that started during the concert. A Vinton man has been charged with malicious wounding.
Two police officers also were assaulted as they tried to maintain order during the festival. One officer was spit on by a man who tried to ride away on the officer's motorcycle, police said. The suspect was later charged with assaulting a deputy at the city jail, police said.
Another man was charged with throwing a beer in the face of a police officer who was attempting to arrest him.
Turner said today that problems can be anticipated "whenever you get a lot of people in the same place at the same time." But, she said, "I think we had a great festival."
by CNB