Offenses up 35 percent at Moses Lake Sand Dunes
Local Crime News
GRANT COUNTY - Citations and infractions were 35 percent higher this year at the Moses Lake Sand Dunes during Memorial Day weekend.
According to information released by the sheriff's office Monday, only minor injuries were reported during the busy weekend. In separate collisions, one rider suffered a broken collarbone, and another suffered a collapsed lung. Alcohol was not a factor in either collision. In all, the sheriff's office responded to nine collisions.
While alcohol is prohibited at the sand dunes, 38 alcohol violations were reported by the sheriff's office, up 35 percent from 28 in 2013.
Over the week prior, during and after Memorial Weekend, about 7,700 people camped in the area. Day users, including boaters, fisherman and spectators, tallied at about 3,700 people. Road District road counters also showed more than 1,400 vehicles entered the sand dunes.
Off-Road Vehicle deputies issued 127 citations or infractions during the weekend, including eight for minor in possession of alcohol, 14 for operating an off-road vehicle without a helmet and 20 for driving an off-road vehicle on the road. One assault was also reported, leaving a Tacoma man seriously injured when he was pushed off a boat by an unidentified man. The victim reportedly declined to press charges.
"The Moses Lake Sand Dunes continues to be one of the most popular off road recreation areas in the state, and our ORV deputies do a great job making it a safe place to have fun," Sheriff Tom Jones said.
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