Large Crowds On The Strip Prompt Mask Citations, Arrests

TUSCALOOSA, AL. — Tuscaloosa Police officers issued a dozen citations for mask violations on the Strip Sunday, in addition to logging several arrests as large crowds shown filling the sidewalk sparked public outcry. Officers found that while none of the bars exceeded capacity, many of the patrons were not wearing proper face coverings.

The Tuscaloosa Police Department said Sunday, which coincided with Bid Day at the University of Alabama, marked the first citations and arrests made since the implementation of city and state mask mandates. Officers issued a total of 12 citations for mask violations, with four people arrested on seven charges.

TPD Chief Brent Blankley called in officers to work the Strip Sunday afternoon after calls and social media reports came in. Both Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox and UA Athletic Director Greg Byrne also took to social media to weigh in.

"It’s a damn shame that our officers who are stretched thin across the City and who are working to exhaustion can’t have a few hours of down time," Maddox said on Twitter Sunday.

The department then said it will continue to patrol the Strip and downtown bar areas to enforce the public health mandates for as long as they are in effect.

According to the TPD release Monday morning, one man was charged with obstruction of justice as officers attempted to issue a mask citation and two were reportedly arrested for mask violations after refusing to sign citations. Additionally, one of the men was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arresting.

A woman was also charged with obstruction of justice and public intoxication after she became involved in one of the other arrests.