Fewer arrests, accidents reported

Figures down from this year’s Bikes, Blues & BBQ festival

Police reports of arrests, traffic accidents and thefts in the Dickson Street area decreased significantly at this year’s Bikes, Blues & BBQ compared with last year’s festival, police reports show.

Police made 26 arrests — 22 of which involved local residents — inside the Dickson Street area during the festival, which ran Wednesday through Saturday, according to data released by the Fayetteville Police Department. Police arrested 36 people, including 29 local residents, last year.

The majority of arrests during the past two festivals was in connection with public intoxication and disorderly conduct, according to the release.

Accidents decreased by half, with police working seven this year compared with 15 last fall. Only one motorcycle was reported stolen this year, down from three in 2015.

Police also issued 11 traffic citations to 10 people on Dickson Street while citing

six for violating the city’s noise ordinance because of engine revving.

“We would like to thank our citizens for their patience and support, and we thank our visitors for their decision to visit Fayetteville for this event,” Chief Greg Tabor said in a statement.

“(The department) will continue to work with our citizens, merchants and the Bikes, Blues & BBQ Board to provide a safe atmosphere for everyone in the years to come.”

Spokesmen for the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Rogers Police Department, Springdale Police Department and Bentonville Police Department didn’t report any major incidents related to the festival.

“We had a few thefts, like motorcycle license plates or other items,” said Capt. John Hubbard, Bentonville police spokesman.

“Even though we are affected due to the amount of people coming to the area, we do not host a specific (festival) venue.”

There was one motorcycle fatality over the weekend.

Chadd R. Lowderman, 33, of Ottawa, Kan., was riding west

on Wheeler Road about 12:32 a.m. when he failed to round a corner, left the road and hit a tree, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Wheeler is an unincorporated community in Washington County south of Tontitown.

The Sheriff’s Office was unable to verify whether the accident was related to Bikes, Blues & BBQ , said Kelly Cantrell, sheriff’s office spokeswoman.