17 arrested, 127 cars towed during St Patrick’s Day celebrations. “The status quo can no longer be acceptable,” says Flynn
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is widely recognized in greater New England, for better or worse, as a chance to get drunk in Southie. While porch beers are a longstanding tradition, recent years have seen an increase in public drunkenness, violent assaults, and huge parties.
Authorities warned that this year they would crack down on out-of-control behavior during the festivities.
Police say 17 parade-goers were arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute, assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, and affray – The fighting together of two or more people in a public place to the terror of others.
The Boston Transportation Department reported towing 127 cars off the parade route alone, with additional vehicles removed from the neighborhood for parking in front of fire hydrants and in no-stop zones.
MBTA Police reported to have confiscated over 50 drinks, including 33 “black out rage gallons” (BORGs), and one entire handle of Jägermeister at Broadway Station within the parade’s first hour.
The MBTA predicted upwards of one million riders coming into the neighborhood on Sunday and implemented shuttle buses, expanded rush-hour services, and even bypassed Broadway entirely during periods of high traffic.
311 received a litany of reports alleging everything from rooftop partying to “people pissing on our property constantly.” Monday morning, reports continued to request street and station clean-up and the removal of leftover police barricades.
Councilor Ed Flynn said he would call for a City Council hearing to discuss all public safety aspects of Evacuation Day & St. Patrick’s Day parade, including police staffing levels, arrests made for violence and public drinking, and medical emergencies.
“A major focus of the monthly parade meetings I’ve held for two years with partners in government has been the public safety risks associated with large rooftop parties of people drinking alcohol with no roof deck to speak of,” Flynn said. During the parade, the councilor received three reports of such parties just off the parade route.
“I can’t support a parade where young spectators continue to view this event as anything goes or Mardi Gras, with little to no regard for those who live in the community,” Flynn said.
“Many visitors arrived from outside the city and disrespected my South Boston neighbors, our veterans, and military families. Veterans, military families, our seniors, persons with disabilities, young families, and South Boston residents deserve our utmost respect. The status quo can no longer be acceptable!”
