Fredonia Police Department.

SUNY Fredonia students’ annual May party weekend passed this year with no violent crimes, but dozens of arrests, according to the Fredonia Police Department.

Police Chief Gregory Myers sent over the department’s annual report on “Fred Fest,” an unofficial and non-sanctioned continuation of a festival that was held on campus until 2015. Students wound up holding their own series of parties off campus the first weekend of every May.

The Fredonia police handled 163 incidents and made 37 arrests. Here’s the total charges handed out: Open container violation, 15; underage possession of alcohol, 9; fake ID, 2; harassment, 2; vehicle and traffic tickets, 7; disorderly conduct, 2; littering, 2; and one each of criminal mischief, petit larceny, sewer ordinance violation, and driving under the influence of drugs.

Fredonia police also noted that they handled a burglary in progress incident, and are investigating a reported stolen vehicle incident.

The vehicle reportedly fled a Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office traffic stop early on the morning of May 2 in the town of Charlotte. It was pursued through the towns of Gerry and Ellicott but the chase was terminated in Jamestown. Sheriff’s deputies subsequently found the vehicle crashed in Jamestown, with no occupants. After police obtained the registration, the vehicle was found to be stolen from Fredonia. Shortly thereafter, three juvenile suspects were located and detained in the area of the crash. Charges are pending.

The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, and SUNY Fredonia University Police assisted the Fredonia village police with law enforcement presence during Fred Fest 2026. The state police reportedly handed out 155 vehicle and traffic tickets, made four driving while intoxicated arrests, and conducted nine drug interdictions. The sheriff’s office made 63 vehicle and traffic stops, wrote 15 vehicle and traffic tickets, and made an arrest for second-degree criminal contempt.

Myers wrote: “The Fredonia Police Department appreciates the patience and cooperation of Fredonia residents, business owners, students, and visitors during Fred Fest 2026. Our department will continue working to ensure future events remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

“Thank yous” went out to the New York State Police and K9 Keane, Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, Fredonia State University Police, Fredonia Fire and Rescue, Fredonia Opera House (Marsha), Walmart, Tim Horton’s, Mancuso Service Center, Ellman’s Garage, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office radio shop.