Sexton: Weekend county patrols downtown have nothing to do with closing time ordinance
The numbers are in after Washington County Tennessee officers made their presence known in downtown Johnson City after recent reports of physical fights, drunkenness and other crimes.
The report said 102 extra patrols, bar checks and business follow-ups were conducted between 10 pm and 4 am by county personnel, resulting in 13 arrests for various charges including public intoxication, disorderly conduct and underage drinking.
Sheriff Keith Sexton noted the Johnson City deployment had nothing to do with recent disputes over closing time at bars. Sexton ordered the extra help after meeting with downtown business owners who requested a meeting with the sheriff.
City officials have said the criminal activity has warranted council to adopt a new ordinance allowed under state law that gives a locality the ability to cut off alcohol sales at city businesses at 1 am. That proposal recently went through a second reading before the board.
The downtown patrols netted the following arrests and citations:
– Seven arrested for Public Intoxication
– Three cited for open containers
– Three cited for underage consumption
– Two arrested for outstanding warrants
– One arrested disorderly conduct and resisting arrest
“Deputies patrolling downtown were in addition to WCSO’s usual patrol efforts County wide, which includes patrolling the incorporated areas of the City of Johnson City and the Town of Jonesborough along with unincorporated areas like Gray, Limestone and Telford” said the WCSO report.
“Overall, Washington County 911 logged 992 calls for service involving WCSO this past weekend. Those are a mix of citizens calling 911 to request a Deputy and Deputy-initiated activity. Of those calls for service from across Washington County”:
– 532 were extra patrols of residences and businesses
– 177 were traffic stops
– 44 warrants were served
– 8 calls involved thefts
– 5 were for crashes with no reported injuries
– A total of 162 reports were filed
Sexton said the patrols and zero tolerance policy will continue as long as they are needed in downtown.
(IMAGE: Washington County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office)