WILLIMANTIC – The Willimantic Police Department made a number of arrests during the annual Eastern Connecticut State University “stumbler” party, which kicked-off Saturday morning at around 9 a.m.
These arrests came after one of the most orderly spring weekends in memory last weekend, according to police.
Police said the arrests were made after they responded to 11 different house party complaints, not including nearly another two dozen calls for large groups of people obstructing traffic or creating other types of mischief.
Additional Willimantic Police personnel, including two city police K9 teams were on-hand to handle the large crowds and rowdy behavior.
In addition to the numerous in-custody arrests, city police said they also issued 16 citations for belligerent behavior and other drinking-related offenses.
Police said groups numbered 100-150 people, and at one point, full cans of open beer were thrown at city police officers on Chestnut Street, though no officers were injured.
“Overall we are very disappointed with the behavior this year,” said aid Cpl. Stanley Parizo, Jr. of the Willimantic Police Department in a statement. “We lauded their behavior last week during spring weekend and then this event literally goes sideways on us. It is frustrating because we work very hard to maintain a positive relationship with the ECSU students.”
