The unsanctioned bi-annual drinking event known as Pub Crawl turned violent last weekend after two people were arrested for brandishing firearms, and a police officer was taken to the hospital after being knocked to the ground.
The UW Oshkosh Police Department, Oshkosh Police Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol shut down several house parties and disturbances near campus on both Friday and Saturday, predominately from Elmwood Avenue eastward to Jackson Street.
OPD Public Affairs and Crime Prevention Officer Kate Mann said that the safety and security of Oshkosh citizens remains the department’s top priority.
“The Oshkosh Police Department continues to work diligently to locate and apprehend dangerous individuals,” Mann said. “We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents and will continue taking decisive and swift action against conduct that threatens public safety.”
At around 11:10 p.m. Saturday, law enforcement was dispatched to the corner of Scott Avenue and Cherry Street after OPD received multiple reports that several males were pointing guns at people in the area. When police arrived at the scene, a 17-year-old male from Neenah resisted arrest and attempted to grab something tucked in the front of his pants. Officers were able to take him to the ground and uncovered a loaded handgun underneath his body. He was arrested for possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18, first degree recklessly endangering safety, carrying a concealed weapon, resisting/obstructing an officer and disorderly conduct.
While law enforcement attempted to arrest the 17-year-old, another male tried to intervene in the situation before being taken into custody by UWOPD. At the same time, according to police, “a large disturbance took place involving about 100 people” and an OPD officer was knocked to the ground and had to be taken to the hospital after suffering a non-life-threatening injury to the head. They have since been released from the hospital.
UWO senior Sam Allen said at first he was confused when he saw hundreds of people running in every direction.
“I was unsure of what event transpired,” Allen said. “I had not jumped to any conclusions, yet I was a little concerned that it could have possibly been related to an act of violence. Due to this fact, I proceeded towards the scene with caution.”
Later on Saturday night, a Wisconsin State Trooper saw a suspect involved in a battery complaint on the 800 block of Scott Ave. The suspect, a 20-year-old male from Ripon fled the scene and flashed a handgun before the trooper was able to take him into custody. Law enforcement believed the male dropped his gun during the pursuit, and on Sunday OPD located the weapon on the 800 block of Woodland Ave.
Allen said he was disappointed with the level of violence during this semester’s Pub Crawl.
“Fear is a factor long gone, as the pub crawls that I have participated in previously have had their fair share of heinous acts,” Allen said. “ Although it’s unfortunate, it has become a possibility I always keep in mind when involving myself in such events, and I always leave room for caution and awareness.”
Allen said that despite the violence, he still enjoyed Pub Crawl.
“Fortunately, I did not witness any violent acts for the majority of my pub crawl experience, and I am happy to say that I felt safe during my time out and about,” Allen said. “The happy people wandering the streets had faces full of joy, and I was glad to have experienced the positivity of the city when all were together, enjoying the time.”
Law enforcement are continuing to investigate the disturbances related to Pub Crawl and ask that anyone with information should call OPD at 920-236-5700 or the Winnebago County Crime Stoppers at 920-231-8477.
Allen said he is still optimistic that Pub Crawl can be a safe experience for all.
“These heinous acts will not ruin the possibility of greatness that the community can have when together, enjoying their nights, free from any worries of aggression,” Allen said. “The violence will not ruin the spirit of pub crawl, and it will never deter me from believing in the possibility of all of us coming peacefully together. I say, when the crawl calls, you answer.”
