EAST LANSING, Mich. — Following the Michigan State University versus University of Michigan football game this past Saturday, Oct. 30, the East Lansing Police Department (ELPD) and East Lansing Fire Department (ELFD) responded to multiple calls of fires, property damage, blocked streets and incapacitated individuals in the community.
“While there were many who celebrated the Spartan win this past weekend in a responsible way, we are disappointed that so many individuals engaged in destructive, dangerous and illegal behavior following the game,” said East Lansing City Manager George Lahanas. “These unlawful behaviors are not only extremely dangerous, but they unnecessarily overburden our critical emergency services on busy game days and overshadow great Spartan victories. Any notions that these unlawful behaviors are acceptable traditions are wrong.”
ELPD will be pursuing charges against identified individuals who committed crimes following the game and anyone with information, photos and/or videos is encouraged to contact ELPD Sgt. Adam Park at (517) 319-6834 or apark@cityofeastlansing.com.
Throughout the day on Oct. 30, ELPD had a total of 349 calls for service and there were 20 citations issued and five arrests made. From 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 30 to 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 31, ELFD had a total of 142 call for service, including 79 EMS calls, 57 fire calls (ELFD received assistance from ELPD for several of these calls), 20 fire alarm calls, two elevator rescues, 26 truck/squad medic assists and six mutual aid calls. The property damage in the community included, but was not limited to a vehicle that was overturned and destroyed in the alley in the 200 block of Cedar Street.
Assisting agencies throughout the weekend included the Lansing Police Department, MSU Police and Public Safety, Michigan State Police, the Meridian Township Police Department and the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office.
“The East Lansing Police Department was adequately prepared for a celebration following MSU’s big win over Michigan. Unfortunately, our peacekeeping efforts had to be shifted to responding to several couch fires in the roadway and large crowds that were blocking streets, which resulted in major safety concerns and traffic issues,” said East Lansing Police Chief Kim Johnson. “The number of reported fires also required the 911 dispatch center to have to separate the calls to our police and fire frequencies, resulting in our firefighters having to respond to several fires without police security. This was a very serious safety issue for our emergency responders. Setting fires and causing malicious destruction of property is a totally unacceptable way for Spartans and Spartan fans to celebrate big wins. We will be seeking the fullest extent of charges for those individuals who have been captured in photos and videos setting fires and causing damage to other people’s property.”