Gun, Knife Arrests at Taste of Chicago
Written by DJ Special Blend from Chicago on July 5, 2009
CHICAGO, IL -Six people were arrested on charges of illegally carrying guns and two others face charges of illegally carrying knives at the Taste of Chicago and in Grant Park on Friday, authorities said.
Police said a 15-year-old boy was arrested with a shotgun after being spotted with it at Taste, while five other people were arrested outside the Taste grounds.
A total of 31 people were arrested at Taste Friday, according to police. The five adults arrested on felony gun charges Friday appeared in Cook County Bond Court today.
In addition to those arrested with guns, there also were two people arrested on misdemeanor charges of illegally carrying knives, police said.
Crowds at the Taste for July 4 were much smaller than the July 3 fireworks, said Cindy Gatziolis, a spokeswoman for the Mayor’s Office of Special Events. She did not have exact figures but said the smaller crowds were expected.
Chicago police spokesman Roderick Drew said there were two arrests today at the Taste of Chicago. Neither of the arrests was for a major offense, and no weapons were confiscated.
“The rain may have affected attendance today,” Drew said. “It’s a healthy crowd, but probably smaller than we anticipated.”
The majority of the 31 arrests on Friday were on charges of battery and reckless conduct, Drew said in an e-mail this afternoon.
