Public Drinking Citations Double in St. Patrick's Day Parade

BOSTON, MA - Police presented some good news and bad news regarding Sunday's St. Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston.

Boston Police announced there were only five arrests after 10 during last year's celebration; unfortunately they also cited nearly 500 citations for public drinking, almost double as many as last year.

Police arrested and charged the following: Paul Leahy, 19, of Dedham (disorderly conduct), William Bronske, 18, of Quincy (destruction of property), Jonathan Gentile, 18, of West Bridgewater (affray), Andrew Cohoon, 18, of Bridgewater (drinking in public), and Joshua Ferris, 24, of Brimfield (disorderly conduct and assault and battery on a police officer).

Those five men will be arraigned in South Boston District Court.

Police issued 498 citations during the festivities, most for public drinking. Last year police issued 278 citations.

"Keeping spectators and participants safe along the route was Mayor [Martin] Walsh’s and my top priority," said Commissioner William B. Evans. "Issuing nearly double the amount of citations for public drinking compared to last year evidences the challenges we faced in keeping public order at this family event. I want to thank all of those who braved the cold and came out and celebrated responsibly."

Photo courtesy Mike Ball, Sarah Nichols via Flickr/Creative Commons