Police report few problems during Ritzville Blues Festival

Police Chief David McCormick said local law enforcement had few problems during the 18th Ritzville Blues Festival.

Ritzville Police and Adams County Sheriff’s deputies handled a domestic dispute at the Ritzville Pastime in the 100 block of West Main Avenue at 12:24 a.m. on Saturday, July 9. Deputy Dan Verhey arrested a man and booked him into the Adams County Jail on a charge of fourth degree assault, domestic violence.

McCormick and officers responded to a second domestic dispute at the Wheat Land Communities Fairgrounds Saturday at 5:42 p.m. The two parties had already been split up when police arrived. Witnesses said the dispute was verbal only. Officers cleared the fairgrounds and returned to the festival.

Saturday night at 10:40 p.m. officers were advised of a disorderly man on Washington Avenue outside of Flying Arts Ranch. The man was reportedly banging on street signs.

When contacted by officers, the local subject did not comply with instructions and was placed in handcuffs for officer safety. After he calmed down, McCormick took the man to his home and released him.

Police arrested a Ritzville man at 12:49 a.m. Sunday for minor in possession by consumption after they were advised of a minor in The Ritzville Pastime.

Officer Mark Cameron was contacted regarding the minor. He approached the 20-year-old man inside the bar and then took him outside. After observing the local man’s condition and checking his identification, Cameron arrested him.

The subject was administratively booked, given a criminal citation and released. McCormick said a breathalyzer test indicated the man had a .24 breath alcohol content.