ROCHESTER — Rochester police reported minor traffic arrests in off-site incidents hours after the close of the Puerto Rican Festival.
In the days leading up to the 47th-annual festival that was held Aug. 5-7, event organizers, Puerto Rican Parade of Rochester officials and other community groups had stressed keeping such incidents to a minimum. The groups held events and distributed post cards in the city’s northeast neighborhoods where incidents haven taken place in previous years.
"Things continue to improve year over year, but we aren’t where we need to be to ensure we avoid the continued negative media coverage," Festival Board President Orlando Ortiz said of off-site incidents after the festival.
In the evening hours of Aug. 7, police had to disperse disorderly crowds and large car caravans, according to an RPD press release. Rocks, bottles, eggs and paintballs also were thrown at officers. There were no injuries or damage to vehicles, according to police.
Officers made two arrests for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
