Lansdale Police Address 'Entirely Inappropriate' Blizzard Behavior

LANSDALE, PA — Natural and social disruptions in recent years like snowstorms, floods, and global pandemics have sent otherwise normal people spiraling into fits of panic.

While the mania is sometimes contained to bizarre bulk purchases of milk and toilet paper, the latest blizzard brought out a different emotion in Lansdale: rage.

Local police said that residents were aggressive in calling and confronting officers during the storm, particularly over parking tickets issued to vehicles parked on snow emergency routes.

"While we understand that receiving a ticket can be frustrating, disrespectful language and personal attacks toward our staff are not acceptable," Lansdale Police Chief Ryan Devlin said in a statement.

While feedback and discussion are welcome, some cases during the storm involved "language and behavior that were entirely inappropriate."

During borough-declared snow emergencies, vehicles must be moved off of designated emergency routes so that snow plows can clear the roads.

While some residents were incorrectly ticketed after moving their vehicles to the SEPTA garage, Devlin said the issues involved residents who were parked on emergency routes.

"As a reminder, the snow emergency was declared at 8:00 pm on Saturday," he added. "Notifications were sent by email, through Ready Montco, on social media, and by officers making announcements in the borough. Enforcement began shortly after 6:00 am on Sunday, ten hours after the initial notice. Early enforcement is necessary to keep streets clear for plows and maintain efficient snow removal."

The officers and public employees targeted by raging residents were in the midst of working overtime, often through the night, to help clear the streets and keep the borough safe. Devlin specifically cited the work of Public Works, Electric Department, and police who patrolled during the height of the blizzard, which brought up to a foot of snow to parts of the area.

Devlin added that residents can contact him directly to address their snow tickets or "if you feel you need to let out your frustration."