STURGIS, S.D. – Saturday was day number two for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and according to Sturgis law enforcement, it’s been fairly normal so far.
Sturgis Police Chief Geody VanDewater says calls are down by 27 overall when compared to 2019, although they have noticed an uptick in the number of non-injury accidents. Some of those accidents have even taken place right on Main Street, which was closed to motorcycle traffic only Friday.
The numbers released by law enforcement Saturday indicated 11 non-injury crashes as of 6:00 a.m. Friday and 6:00 a.m. Saturday. That is compared to just one reported in the same 24 hour period last year.
The Meade County Sheriff’s Office reported 21 people moving through the county jail. That is right in line with last year. The process is running a little different this year due to COVID-19. Sheriff Ron Merwin says those arrested are moved through the courthouse basement jail rather than the general population because they must go through COVID-19 screening first.
Merwin said the majority of cases so far have been for the usual Driving Under the Influence or reckless driving.
As for the highway patrol, Capt. Jason Ketterling said the number of crashes has picked up since Friday, but that it’s still comparable to last year.
Due to COVID-19, all law enforcement and first responders are equipped with personal protective equipment, or P-P-E. There is much concern this year for them, dealing with accident victims who may have the virus.
