Both state and park police in Saratoga Springs, NY had their hands full this past weekend thanks to the three-day Phish run. With approximately 25,000 attendees per night, law enforcement had their pick of hippies to poach. Over 80 arrests were made in total, all for nonviolent offenses. Outside of the shows alone, 55 people were arrested, plus 32 on felony charges. Those nabbed by the fuzz were taken to a makeshift courthouse at the Lincoln Baths, where they awaited arraignment. An additional 4 Assistant District Attorneys were recruited to manage this heavy influx of inmates.
Arraigned defendants were transported to local jails via all-night shuttles (talk about V.I.P. service!)
“Additionally, state Park Police responded to 41 drug or alcohol complaints; 14 ambulance calls; 17 calls for assistance; 15 vehicle and traffic complaints; five motor vehicle accidents; and 53 other calls for service.”
Saratoga Springs and NY State police arrested an additional 26 people. Interestingly, Park Police did not make known the names of those they arrested, however Saratoga Police did publicize the names of those charged with felonies. For a full breakdown on all the police action from Phish‘s run at SPAC, read this report from the Times Union.
