ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, May 7, 1996 TAG: 9605070115
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: S.D. HARRINGTON STAFF WRITER
Police arrested a Raleigh, N.C., man on drug charges early Sunday at "D-Day," a "rave" at the American Legion in Salem.
Eric Jonathan Wise, 21, was being held without bond at the Salem-Roanoke County Jail. He has been charged with possessing cocaine and LSD with intent to distribute it, said Salem police Chief James Bryant.
Police gave few details of what led to Wise's arrest.
The rave, an all-night party featuring nonstop dance music and colorful light shows, was advertised through fliers. It was supposed to be at the former Winn-Dixie building in the West Salem Plaza on West Main Street. At least one rave has been held there.
A man in the plaza parking lot directed partiers to the American Legion on Apperson Drive, saying the party had been moved because of fire hazards in the former grocery store.
Bryant said police believed the event at the American Legion was to be a graduation party but investigated when they learned it was a rave.
"Rave parties have a reputation of drug usage," Bryant said. "And whether it's a rave party or not, if it has a reputation for drug usage, we're going to investigate."
Salem officers arrived at the rave around 11:50 p.m. They arrested Wise about 4 a.m. and ordered the party ended shortly afterward, Bryant said.
The officers confiscated $1,350 from Wise and seized his car.
Police estimated 600 people, mostly under 25, attended. Admission cost $14, or $12 with a flier. No alcohol was served.
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