Valley Rings In The New Year Peacefully
Posted: January 3, 2013
HARRISONBURG — While many revelers in the central Valley rang in 2013 by throwing back a few celebratory drinks, most found a safe way home. Some, though, landed behind bars.
Police reported five arrests in the city and county for driving under the influence during the long holiday weekend.
“The cab companies were really busy,” said Capt. Dan Claytor of the Harrisonburg Police Department.
Claytor said three people were arrested for DUIs during the New Year’s holiday.
In the county, from Friday night through New Year’s Day, police made two DUI arrests, according to the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office.
Virginia State Police reported no DUI arrests in the Harrisonburg area on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.
Typically, area police say, arrests for drunken driving are low during New Year’s; HPD reported two DUI arrests last year. Claytor said increased patrols seem to be a deterrent for motorists.
Although drivers generally behaved themselves during the holiday, police say, Harrisonburg officers responded to a party on Cardinal Drive that got out of hand shortly after midnight Tuesday.
Calls to 911 reported that a large fight had broken out and that gunshots may have been fired.
Claytor said police made three arrests for alcohol violations and disorderly conduct at the party.
Police believe callers who thought they heard shots actually heard fireworks. One person at the party was found to have fireworks.
Rockingham County Sheriff Bryan Hutcheson said his office received no reports of violence during the holiday.
Contact Pete DeLea at 574-6278 or pdelea@dnronline.com