GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas – Jeep Weekend happens every year.
It’s an unofficial event that people know about through word of mouth, and every year there are dozens of arrests and hospitalizations. During the event, the attendees stay in their Jeeps to enjoy the beach. There is typically a lot of alcohol involved. “There is no one coordinator for this event for us to negotiate with so we just know coming through social media and intel so we just prepare for this and keep it as safe of an event as we can,” said Major Ray Nolen, Galveston County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, there were a total of 234 arrests and more than 200 charges filed on Saturday.
More than 50 people were rushed to the hospital the same day, and one woman was left in critical condition.
The number of arrests and injuries increased compared to previous years.
In 2022, records for Galveston County showed 100 arrests were made during Jeep Weekend. In 2021, 200 arrests and one death were reported.
Two people were shot in 2020, and more than 100 arrests were made. In 2019, one person died.
This year, the sheriff’s office said it doubled the amount of deputies patrolling the area and 136 law enforcement officers were working on Saturday. “When you look at the magnitude of the event versus the collateral damage that we had from it, it’s minimal and it was a very successful year for us,” Major Nolen said.
Deputies were out patrolling the beach and neighborhoods making sure residents’ homes were safe from vandalism.