On July 26, 2008, at 0045 hrs, officers of the Dewey Beach Police Department assisted the security staff of the Rusty Rudder with an altercation which occurred inside the establishment. When the staff members brought some of the individuals to the street, it was determined the altercation involved several females on the dance floor. Moments after the situation was resolved, more of the involved subjects exited the dance floor and gathered on Dickinson Street. Several (both males and females) were yelling profanities and inciting disorderly behavior. As the crowd began to swell the behavior became unruly and several altercations developed. It is estimated approximately 150 to 200 people were involved and all refused to disperse the area (this does not include the approximate 1500 others that were spectating the incident after the Lighthouse Restaurant and Rusty Rudder closed for the evening).

After several attempts to disperse the crowd and several more altercations, additional assistance was requested. In addition to 20 Dewey Beach Police officers, officers from the Delaware State Police, Rehoboth Beach and Lewes Police Department's responded. Rehoboth Beach and Delaware State Police K-9's were utilized to help in our efforts. Two arrests were made on individuals that were inciting disorderly behavior. Both resisted arrest and fought with officers while being taken into custody. The crowd was cleared at approximately 0150 hrs. No officers were seriously injured in the incident. But, several suffered minor scrapes, lacerations and bruises.

Arrested:

Anthony Rickards (BM 25 of Lincoln, DE)
Disorderly Conduct/Engaging in a Riot

Freddie Willis (BM 25 of Milton, DE)
Disorderly Conduct/Engaging in a Riot

Sgt. Clifford Dempsey
Dewey Beach Police Department
105 Rodney Ave.
Dewey Beach, DE 19971