Stabbing, 300 calls part of weekend’s Non-Fred Fest
The above photo by Dan Kohler shows thousands of students converged downtown for the annual “Non-Fred Fest” in Fredonia. Fredonia police made 30 arrests during the unsanctioned, off-campus event.
The stabbing suspect is pictured.
The above photo by Dan Kohler shows thousands of students converged downtown for the annual “Non-Fred Fest” in Fredonia. Fredonia police made 30 arrests during the unsanctioned, off-campus event.
The stabbing suspect is pictured.
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The annual "Non-Fred Fest" in Fredonia was evidently wild as ever over the weekend -- and this time, it was marred by stabbings.
Fredonia Police are requesting the public's assistance in identifying a suspect who is believed to be responsible for the stabbing of two individuals Saturday night during the Non-Fred Fest event on Canadaway Street. In a press release issued Monday, the department reports that officers responded to a large fight and a report of a stabbing victim on Saturday at 8:43 p.m. Police arrived to a large unruly crowd of approximately 1,000 people gathered along the street.
Two victims were identified. One was found laying on the ground, severely bleeding from a stab and puncture wound to the lower rear right side back. The second victim was located with a laceration of the right eye.
The scene required assistance from area law enforcement agencies, to secure and clear for the investigation. The Fredonia Police were assisted and supported by members of the City of Dunkirk Police, the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office, the New York State Police and the University Police of Fredonia.
The Fredonia Fire Department responded for EMS once the area of the incident was safe enough for medical personnel. Both victims were transported to Brooks-TLC Hospital System. Both victims were identified as residents of Jamestown and treatedwith non-life threatening injuries.
Fredonia Police Investigations Unit is seeking assistance with identifying the stabbing suspect. The individual depicted in photos is wearing the white t-shirt and the blue baseball cap. Any information regarding his identity can be forwarded to the Fredonia Police at 716-679-1531. Information may be kept confidential.
Overall, Fredonia Police Chief David Price said the department handled more than 300 calls for service related to Non-Fred Fest, between 3 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Sunday. "Thousands of students converged on the downtown area of the village, as students of college rental housing again hosted overgrown and unmanageable rental parties," Price said.
Non-Fred Fest is an unsanctioned, off-campus response to the now-canceled Fred Fest which was centered on the SUNY Fredonia campus. The spring music festival was ended a few years ago by SUNY officials concerned about the wild partying it drew.
While the festival itself was stopped, the May weekend partying didn't.
Price said Fredonia police made 30 arrests at Non-Fred Fest this year, including two for driving while intoxicated, five disorderly conducts and one harassment. The other arrests were for underage possession of alcohol, and open container and sewer ordinance violations.
The New York State Police, Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department, the Dunkirk Police Department and SUNY Fredonia's police force all assisted Fredonia police throughout this year's event.
Price commented that Fredonia Fire Department services were also strained by the event. He cited 31 calls for emergency medical service between Friday and Sunday.