THUNDER BAY – Crimebeat – As reported on the weekend, police were called to a rural party on the weekend. Thunder Bay Police, NishnawbeAski Police and the Ontario Provincial Police were all engaged in this call. The Thunder Bay Police report they “Attended a Hacquoil Road property at midnight on Friday, September 1, 2012 to deal with a party that was out of control. When officers arrived they observed approximately 200 cars parked along the roadway toward Highway 61 making vehicular traffic difficult for residents who live in the area”.
The ‘Glow Party’ was apparently promoted on social media. It is named a glow party because people were wearing ‘glow sticks’ and dancing.
Officers estimated 1000 youth to be in attendance on this property many of whom were intoxicated.
22 Thunder Bay Police Officers, two Ontario Provincial Police Officers, and one officer from Nishnawbe Aski Police Service were needed to close down the party. Officers had to deal with many intoxicated and belligerent people while attempting to get them to vacate the property. Officer’s had rocks thrown at them and one officer was nearly struck in the head with a small boulder.
As the youth were leaving the area officers had to contend with the safety of these individuals that were walking down Highway 61 in the dark. Officers were also required to attend at the Founder Museum on Highway 61 at 2:00 a.m. on a report of a group of youths in a vehicle attempting to ram a gate and throwing bottles. The youths were gone when officers arrived.
Public Safety is a major concern whenever a large unorganized event takes place especially when alcohol in involved. In this case the Thunder Bay Police were concerned about large number of officers that were required to get the incident under control between midnight at 3:00 a.m. During the same time frame the Thunder Bay Police received 33 other calls for service and minimum resources left available to respond in a timely fashion.
The public is urged to call the police or Crime Stoppers at 623-TIPS (8477) about future similar type events. Advance warning will allow for resources to be on hand to deal with the situation before it escalates to a public safety problem.