Detroit police take action against unauthorized street parties

(CBS) — Detroit police are cracking down on crimes related to unauthorized parties across the city.

“They’re happening on the east side, the west side, downtown. They’re happening everywhere,” Chief Deputy Arnold Williams told CBS News Detroit.

Williams said the parties are often the result of “pull-up and park events,” in which partygoers show up at a location and block roads to drift or participate in drag racing. He added that they are also becoming increasingly violent.

“When they throw parties like this, they’re not following the rules we have in the city,” Williams said. “Then someone steps on someone’s shoe, someone gets angry, then they pull out a gun. And we can’t tolerate that in the city anymore.”

Williams said enforcement of parking rules will be stepped up, warning that violations of the law could result in tickets, towing and possibly arrest.

“We will control parking, we will prevent noise, we will ensure there is no nuisance so that emergency vehicles can drive up and down the road,” he said.

The DPD is also asking the public for help in reducing this crime on Detroit’s streets. Williams said if you see anything suspicious, don’t hesitate to call 911.

“We don’t want to stop people from having parties,” he said. “But we want them to do it safely and within the rules. And we want to make sure they don’t infringe on the rights of others to enjoy their property.”

Williams said the department’s only concern is to keep the city safe, not to stop the fun.

He said if you want to hold a street party, you must first contact the department and obtain all necessary permits.