'Reckless acts' lead to almost 2 dozen charges, hundreds of warnings over homecoming weekend
Angela McInnes | CBC News | Posted: September 27, 2022 7:46 PM | Last Updated: September 27, 2022
Unsanctioned gatherings saw up to 7,000 spill onto streets during peak hours
London police say more than 100 provincial offences warnings were issued at unsanctioned parties during Western University's homecoming weekend.
Police say up to 7,000 people were on Broughdale Avenue at the height of the event on Saturday evening, forcing the closure of several roads. Those in attendance were cooperative with emergency services during the day, but some behaviour turned "unacceptable" at night, said police chief Steve Williams.
"This included reckless acts such as throwing beer cans at others — including our officers — damaging property, and jumping from rooftops and hydro poles, which had the potential to cause life-altering consequences," Williams said in a statement.
Hamilton and York Region officers were brought in to help London police officers for the weekend.
The cost of all those officers is not yet available. Last year's festivities cost taxpayers $256,098.
Enforcement numbers from the London police are:
- 22 liquor law violation charges
- 34 fines
- 162 provincial offences warnings
- 16 by-law warnings
- Three criminal code charges, two for outstanding warrants and one for assaulting police
On Monday, the Middlesex-London Paramedic Service said that they responded to 76 calls for service over the course of 24 hours during the weekend. A total of 28 people required a trip to the hospital, with six in serious condition.