Breaking news :Fall Pigeon Forge Rod Run Ends with Nearly 100 Arrests and Injured Officers, Police Report
**Fall Pigeon Forge Rod Run Ends with Nearly 100 Arrests and Injured Officers, Police Report**
What was meant to be a weekend of automotive celebration at the Fall Pigeon Forge Rod Run ended in chaos, with police reporting nearly 100 arrests and several injured officers. The annual car show and gathering, typically a highlight for car enthusiasts in the Smoky Mountains, saw an unfortunate turn of events as disorderly conduct, reckless driving, and other violations overshadowed the event’s festivities.
### A Celebration Gone Awry
The Fall Rod Run, held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is one of the most anticipated automotive events in the Southeast. It attracts thousands of visitors from across the country who come to showcase classic cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles. However, what started as a peaceful and vibrant car show quickly turned into a situation that required extensive law enforcement intervention.
According to local police, the weekend saw a sharp increase in incidents involving reckless behavior, particularly among attendees who were engaged in illegal street racing, burnouts, and other dangerous driving practices. The Pigeon Forge Police Department had already increased its presence, anticipating large crowds and the potential for disruptions, but the number of offenses far exceeded expectations.
### Almost 100 Arrests
Police confirmed that nearly 100 individuals were arrested over the weekend for various infractions, ranging from public intoxication and disorderly conduct to more serious charges like reckless endangerment and assault on law enforcement officers. Authorities were forced to shut down several roadways due to street racing and crowds gathering in unsafe areas to watch impromptu car stunts.
In a statement, Pigeon Forge Police Chief Richard Catlett expressed disappointment at the level of lawlessness that took place. “While we welcome visitors to enjoy our town and celebrate the tradition of the Rod Run, the behavior of certain individuals this year was unacceptable,” Catlett said. “Our officers worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of everyone, but unfortunately, many chose to engage in dangerous and illegal activities.”
### Injured Officers
The situation escalated to the point where several officers were injured while attempting to control the crowds and enforce traffic laws. Police reported that some attendees resisted arrest and assaulted officers, leading to additional charges. While none of the injuries were life-threatening, the officers involved were treated for minor injuries and are expected to recover.
“These officers put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of everyone attending the event,” Chief Catlett added. “We’re thankful their injuries weren’t more serious, but this kind of behavior cannot be tolerated.”
### Community Reaction
The local community, which typically benefits economically from the influx of visitors during the Rod Run, was also affected by the chaos. Business owners and residents expressed frustration over the disturbances, which not only disrupted the event but also caused traffic issues and safety concerns throughout the weekend.
Many in the community have called for stricter enforcement and better control measures at future events. “We love having the Rod Run here, but we don’t want it to turn into an excuse for people to act recklessly,” said one local business owner. “There needs to be more done to prevent this kind of behavior from happening again.”
### Event Organizers Respond
The organizers of the Pigeon Forge Rod Run have also weighed in on the weekend’s incidents. In a statement, they condemned the reckless actions of a small group of attendees, noting that the majority of participants were respectful and there to enjoy the car show in good spirit.
“We are deeply saddened by the events that took place this weekend,” the statement read. “The Rod Run has always been about bringing together car enthusiasts for a safe and fun experience. We will be working closely with local law enforcement to ensure that future events maintain the positive atmosphere that the Rod Run is known for.”
### Looking Ahead
As Pigeon Forge recovers from the tumultuous weekend, local authorities and event organizers are already discussing ways to improve safety at future Rod Runs. Increased police presence, stricter regulations on street activities, and potential changes to event logistics are all on the table as officials work to prevent a repeat of this year’s disturbances.
For now, the focus remains on supporting the officers who were injured and ensuring that those arrested face appropriate legal consequences. As the dust settles, the hope is that future Rod Runs can return to their roots as a safe and enjoyable event for car lovers and the Pigeon Forge community alike.
