TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — The Tallahassee Police Department says they've made 50 felony arrests and seized multiple guns off the streets as part of a joint operation aimed at addressing large crowds and "parking lot parties" in the Capital City.
Starting in early October, TPD, in partnership with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol and Florida State University Police Department, has been working to address the issues of large crowds and parking lot parties.
As part of the joint operation, law enforcement targeted heavily populated areas, including Tennessee Street, Pensacola Street, Lake Bradford Road, South Adams Street and FAMU Way.
Friday, TPD announced the results of the operation. Of the arrests made, 50 resulted in felony charges. So far, TPD said the operation yielded:
- 1,064 traffic stops, resulting in 933 warnings and 132 traffic citations
- Several arrests resulting in 50 felony charges, 61 misdemeanor charges
- 13 illegal firearms and several different types of illegal narcotics recovered
"The large gatherings are a health concern due to the ongoing pandemic, a disturbance to citizens and a public safety risk, as many have ended in violence," TPD wrote in a release sent Friday. "In a six-week time frame, police responded to two dozen shootings that resulted in death, serious injury or property damage connected to these gatherings."
As part of the operation, inspectors with the Tallahassee Fire Department were also paired with officers to assist with checking occupancy levels and other safety violations at local nightclubs and bar establishments.
"This operation reflects the positive results collaborative efforts can yield for the community. Due to high visibility and proactivity, these law enforcement efforts deterred violent crime locally," TPD wrote in the release. "Law enforcement continues to encourage citizens and business owners to do their part to help address parking lot parties in the city."
Residents are asked to report issues by calling TPD at 850-891-4200 or the Consolidated Dispatch Agency at 850-606-5800. If you need to report an emergency, call 911.
