When is jeep weekend crystal beach 2022

Eight people were airlifted to the hospital and several others had to be taken by ambulance during the weekend on Crystal Beach.

BOLIVAR PENINSULA, Texas — A Galveston County Sheriff's Office deputy was among eight people airlifted to the hospital this weekend, according to reports. Another 30 people were transported by ambulance.

The annual Go Topless Jeep Weekend took place Saturday at Crystal Beach on Bolivar Peninsula. The event usually leads to big and rowdy crowds.

The deputy was responding to a crash around 1:30 a.m. near Highway 87 and Holiday Drive when he was struck by a suspected drunk driver in another vehicle, according to the Galveston County Daily News. The deputy was identified as Sgt. John Hamm. He suffered two broken legs, an arm injury and a head injury, according to reports. Hamm was still in surgery as of Sunday afternoon. A suspect was arrested in connection with the crash.

More than 100 people were arrested on the peninsula over the weekend, according to authorities. Deputies said they responded to multiple assaults, fights and DWIs on the peninsula over the weekend.

It was the fifth year Courtney Thompson attended the Go Topless event.

"It was pretty crazy. I mean, there was people everywhere,” she said.

Thompson wasn’t shocked by the number of arrests made by police.

"I'm not surprised. One guy told me that he saw a guy get in a fight right in front of him and he was bleeding on the ground," beachgoer Courtney Thompson said.

The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office said there was a significant increase in the crowds at this year’s event, which brings out Jeep enthusiasts from all over. The overwhelming calls for service forced the department to request help from outside agencies, according to District Manager Doug Saunders. While the Galveston County Sheriff's Office planned for the unofficial event months in advance, even more help had to be requested.

"Today we've seen an increase in calls for service for EMS and fire assistance," Saunders said. "We've had limited communications due to the amount of people on the peninsula."

Other agencies included North Montgomery County, Cy-Fair Fire and Beaumont first responders. Saunders said the incidents they responded to were anywhere from minor emergencies to major trauma.

As hundreds of Jeeps lined up to board the Galveston Ferry on Sunday morning, some were not pleased with the way things went. Thompson said she was disappointed that the event was overshadowed by violence and destruction.

"It just sucks that people have to come out and act a fool and leave trash ... that’s not what it’s about," Thompson said.

No details or updates were given on the 38 people hospitalized at this time.

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More than 30 people were injured during the event, and more than 150 arrests were made.

BOLIVAR PENINSULA, Texas — During Go Topless Jeep Weekend, 184 arrests were made, 194 misdemeanor charges were filed, 18 felony charges were filed and trash was left on Crystal Beach.

“This weekend was worse than what we’ve seen in the past,” Captain Mark McGaffey with the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office said. “It was an unruly crowd."

Go Topless Jeep Weekend is a weekend on the Bolivar Peninsula that is well known for the fun and trouble is usually brings.

More than 30 people were injured during the event. Eight people were flown to a hospital, including a Galveston County deputy who was hit by a suspected drunk driver and suffered two broken legs, an arm injury and a head injury. 

In addition to the arrests and injuries, beachgoers also had to deal with the trash left behind. Capt. McGaffey said it was mostly area volunteers who helped clean the beach on Sunday and Monday.

Trash was taken off the beach and put into trash bags. 

"We saw a lot of people picking up after the whole event,” Belem Mendoza, beachgoer, said. “It's kind of sad though, that people come here to enjoy the beach and they just leave a complete mess."

Mendoza and her family drove from San Antonio for a weekend at the beach. They had no idea what awaited them.

“It was very packed,” Mendoza said. “People everywhere.”

Those who live on the Peninsula said the trash left behind was not anything new and that trash is left behind during other beach events as well. 

"We picked up a few things, but you know, it happens even when we have other events down here,” Penny Glaesman, Bolivar Peninsula resident, said.

Glaesman and her husband have lived on the Bolivar Peninsula for five years and love jeep weekend. However, they know not everyone feels that way.

“It's probably those that have been here longer than our five years,” Glaesman said. “You know, they're just seeing their Peninsula change. It's not the same Peninsula.”

Capt. McGaffey said the hard part about regulating an event like topless is that law enforcement can’t keep people off a public beach.

“Something may change later," Capt. McGaffey said. "But at this point, there's all we can do is manage it and try to control."

The suspected drunk driver who hit the deputy is facing felony charges.

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