Lethbridge Police issued nearly 260 tickets for traffic violations over the course of the city’s annual Street Machine Weekend.
Police also responded to public order incidents involving large crowds gathered, while vehicles performed dangerous and illegal stunts.
In addition to LPS officers, Alberta Sheriffs and members of the Blood Tribe Police Service provided support throughout the weekend.
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.
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 man was attempting to allegedly 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.
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.
Over the weekend, police enforcement and response activities included:
- 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
- One arrest for the alleged possession of a weapon, drug possession and breach of release conditions, and one for alleged theft and breach of conditions
- Multiple calls for service for disturbances, people fighting/domestic situations
A review of this year’s event will be conducted to identify additional measures and enforcement initiatives that may be required to maintain public safety during future Street Machine Weekend events.
