Posted:
Halifax Regional Police is releasing a statement in relation to a large disturbance in Halifax on Sunday related to unsanctioned Dalhousie Homecoming events.
Starting at approximately 12:30 p.m., large crowds started to gather in the areas of Larch and Jennings streets. The crowd is estimated to have reached approximately 3,000 people and extended out to Preston Street and Payzant Avenue. As was seen last year, many participants were intoxicated, climbing trees, damaging property, causing disturbances and fights were occurring within the large crowd.
Members of the Public Safety Unit, along with several support units from HRP, diligently remained on scene throughout the day and into the evening working to disperse the crowd safely. Once the crowd was dispersed, officers remained on scene into the early morning hours to ensure community safety and to prevent further unlawful activity from recurring.
Throughout the day, officers issued 93 summary offence tickets under the Liquor Control Act, as well as three under the Motor Vehicle Act. Additionally, one driver was issued a driving suspension for operating a conveyance while having consumed alcohol.
An 18-year-old was arrested for assaulting an officer, and a replica firearm and sensory irritant were seized. The man is scheduled to appear in Halifax provincial court at a later date to face charges of:
- Assaulting an officer
- Resisting arrest
- Carrying a concealed weapon (x2)
- Possession of a weapon dangerous to the public (x2)
- Carrying a weapon at a public meeting (x2)
In a separate incident, a 19-year-old man was arrested for assaulting another man in the crowd and he is scheduled to appear at a later date in Halifax provincial court to face one count of assault.
Given the scale of the incident, details are still being gathered.
In the face of dynamic and challenging circumstances posed by large crowds, HRP members exhibited exceptional dedication and professionalism in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.