July Fourth Weekend Includes 18 DUI Arrests in Howard County

A total of 18 people were arrested for driving under the influence for the Fourth of July weekend in Howard County, which attracted 42,000 people to Columbia’s Lakefront for the annual fireworks show.

One juvenile was arrested at the Lakefront on charges of minor assault in relation to a fight that broke out, said Howard County police spokeswoman Elizabeth Schroen.

“In the past several years, we have not seen very many arrests or any at the Lakefront at the celebration,” said Schroen, referring to the lone assault charge during the fireworks event. “It’s usually families there to have a good time. We hope to keep it that way--that’s why we do staff the area with a number of officers for security.”

But the 18 DUIs are "typical" for the holiday weekend, said Schroen, who did not have last year's DUI numbers.

There was also an increased effort by law enforcement to manage traffic.

Police shut down Little Patuxent Parkway at 6:45 p.m. before the fireworks, so attendees who parked their cars around the downtown area could walk to the Lakefront, according to Schroen.

All roads were clear by 11 p.m., after the fireworks show ended at about 10 p.m., she said.

“This was our fastest year for getting people out of [the] Town Center quickly,” she said. “It definitely was the most efficient we’ve been. We try to improve the plan each year. We do have 42,000 who need to get out, get to their vehicles and file out of a small compacted area."

Last year, celebration.

Howard County spokesman Kevin Enright said the celebration this year was budgeted for $80,000. Sponsors included the and Howard County Government.