LPS struggled maintaining unruly behavior during Street Machine Weekend

Lethbridge Police say there was a flurry of traffic violations and public complaints stemming from illegal gatherings this past weekend during the popular Street Machine event.

LPS say the weekend’s sanctioned events such as the Controlled Cruise on Friday was was well attended with responsible mainly performed, but the nights of July 10th & 11th drew large gatherings, which resulted in significant public safety and crowd management concerns.

• 257 tickets issued, primarily for speeding, stunting and equipment violations, including two drivers travelling more than 50 km/h over the speed limit
• Two Immediate Roadside Sanction Failures (one alcohol-impaired driver and one drug-impaired driver)
• 70 warnings for open liquor consumption
• Seizure and disposal of open liquor
• One suspended driver
• Seven vehicles towed
• Arrests  – one for possession of a weapon, drug possession and breach of release conditions, and one for theft and breach of conditions
• Nine Public Order Unit deployments
• Crowd dispersals involving individuals trespassing on private property
• Multiple calls for service for disturbances, people fighting/domestic situations

On Friday night, approximately 600 people gathered in the HomeSense parking lot along the 3700 block of Mayor Magrath Drive South, where vehicles were performing burnouts and other illegal stunts. Acting on behalf of the property owner, police shut down the event. Crowds and vehicles ultimately returned to the location Saturday night and engaged in similar activity, prompting a further police response.

Sergeant Tony Ramotowski with LPS’ Traffic Response Unit said conversations are ongoing on how to better handle incidents like this in time for next years event. “Next year, we’re going to be speaking to the business owners in that area. We could either get private security, or basically block off the road so there’s no access to them next year.”

Just before midnight on Friday, a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle along the 500 block of Mayor Magrath Drive South. Investigation determined the 28-year-old male was attempting to jaywalk westbound from the median when he was struck by a southbound vehicle travelling through a green light. The pedestrian was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The 18-year-old male driver was found to hold a Class 7 learner’s permit and was issued a ticket for not having a fully licensed driver accompanying him.

Police also attended the Wade Galloway Skate Park along the 2300 block of Parkside Drive South on Friday night to address issues related to open liquor consumption. Significant quantities of alcohol being consumed in public by adults and underage individuals were seized and disposed of. In addition, a missing youth was located at the skate park and safely returned home.

An unofficial gathering Saturday night in a private parking lot along the 3900 block of 1 Avenue South attracted an estimated 2,000 people and 800 vehicles. Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services responded following reports of significant smoke in the area. Heavy vehicle and pedestrian congestion impeded emergency access, with fire apparatus becoming stuck in traffic gridlock while attempting to reach the scene.

Police say overall attendance has risen in recent years, and they’ve responded with a heightened presence and resources, alongside assistance from Alberta Sheriffs and the Blood Tribe Police Service.