Pride Parade Aftermath: 52 Arrests Including 2 Felonies
By Rachel Cromidas in News on Jun 30, 2015 3:35PM
From the crush of the crowds of Pride Parade watchers who swarmed the North Side parade route Sunday afternoon to the groups of rainbow-clad partiers who roamed the streets past sundown, authorities say they made 50 misdemeanor and 2 felony arrests in connection with this year's Pride.
One person was accused of driving while under the influence, a felony, during the parade. In a second felony arrest, a 16-year-old boy was accused of firing shots at three police officers responding to reports of a gang disturbance in the 4600 block of North Kenmore Avenue. He was charged with three counts of attempted murder and one unlawful weapons possession charge.
The rest of the arrests were for misdemeanor offenses, according to Chicago police spokeswoman Jennifer Rottner, mostly for reckless conduct, disorderly conduct and battery.
Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) whose ward encompasses much of the parade route, is weighing the decision of whether to keep the parade in Lakeview or move it downtown, based on problems the local police district has faced trying to police the parade, which has grown to over 1 million spectators in recent years. Tunney's office told DNAinfo Monday that he will meet with various city departments to discuss the parade and make a decision for 2016 later.
Besides the arrests, there were several unsolved violent crimes logged during and after the parade, including reports of at least two stabbings.
According to DNAinfo, police officers began cutting off alcohol sales at bars in the Lakeview area by 12:30 a.m., which is earlier than the 2 a.m. closing time when after-hours bars agreed to close to calm the post-Pride celebration.