Despite a million-person turnout to watch the 47th Annual Pride Parade, Chicago police are currently reporting only seven arrests during the course of the event.
Those included arrests for possession of cannabis, unlawful possession of a taser and battery, according to Chicago Police Department ( CPD ) spokesman Jose Estrada.
The Crime in Wrigleyville + Boystown blog first reported two fights after the parade at the Belmont station, one at 6:55 p.m. Sunday and another at about 11:30 p.m. that night. It had reports of about 19 arrests over the course of the night.
Crime numbers surrounding the parade can fluctuate as more information becomes available from police and city officials. Lake View and Uptown residents have in years past offered anecdotal accounts that contrasted sharply with official city and police numbers, since many incidents don't ultimately lead to arrests or criminal charges.
But initially, at least, the 2016 numbers are significantly lower than those in previous years. In 2015, there were 52 arrests during and after the parade, and 46 arrests in 2014.
CPD officials nevertheless face criticism this year for prematurely closing the Pride at Montrose event. Windy City Times' article is at www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Pride-at-Montrose-event-abruptly-cancelled-by-the-CPD-/55691.html .
Crime in Wrigleyville + Boystown's report on the parade is at www.cwbchicago.com/2016/06/19-arrests-as-tight-security-smaller.html .