MARTIN, MI – Allegan County sheriff’s deputies responded to more than 100 incidents, most of which were alcohol-related, during this weekend’s B-93 Birthday Bash.
The incidents resulted in 56 arrests Saturday and 30 arrests Sunday at the two-day country music concert at the U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Capt. Frank Baker said in a news release issued Wednesday.
Baker said deputies responded to a total of 83 incidents “at or near the venue” Saturday that resulted in a total of 84 citations being issued and/or arrests being made.
There were 39 incidents Sunday with 54 citations issued and/or arrests, according to Baker, who said that there were “many additional incidents” on both days that “did not result in a formal police report, citation or arrest being made.”
“Most incidents were alcohol related,” authorities said in the news release.
Figures police provided in the news release showed a total of 48 incidents of minors in possession of alcohol during the event and 14 incidents of motorists operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
On Saturday, Baker said deputies also responded to three domestic assaults and three reports of assault and battery at the concert.
There also were 13 incidents of open intoxicants in a vehicle and disorderly conduct, and 18 incidents involving speeding.
Prior to the two-day concert, which is put on by Grand Rapids-based country radio station WBCT-FM (93.7), Baker said deputies planned to increase enforcement at the event aimed at underage drinking and excessive tailgating.
Baker said corrections deputies at the Allegan County Jail booked in 98 people Saturday and Sunday, which is “considerably higher than a typical weekend.” The jail normally books about 15 people per day.
This year’s event featured several country music artists, including headliners Dierks Bentley and Justin Moore.
Baker said last week for motorists to expect traffic congestion along U.S. 131 during the festival. However, he fewer traffic backups were occurred this year.
“We are happy to report that the traffic back-ups were reduced considerably from years past which I am sure helped to make the event more enjoyable for those attending and less troublesome for those who reside in the area and around the venue,” Baker said.
Rex Hall Jr. is a public safety reporter for the Kalamazoo Gazette. You can reach him at rhall2@mlive.com. Follow him on Twitter.
Comments are closed.