U.Va. urges students to stay away from raucous block party

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — University of Virginia officials are urging students to stay away from an annual alcohol-fueled block party.

News outlets report that Charlottesville police have pledged to crack down on anyone who breaks the law at the Wertland Street Block Party on Saturday.

Located just off-campus, the party drew more than 5,000 people last year, as police issued 26 warning tickets, mostly for alcohol-related offenses.

Lt. T.V. McKean says officers this year will be more aggressive in ticketing lawbreakers.

U.Va. Dean of Students Allen W. Groves wrote in an email to the student body Thursday that the event is not sanctioned by the university and poses risks of sexual assault and dangerously crowded balconies.

Police say rescue crews responded to at least 13 calls for alcohol abuse at last year’s block party.

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up