Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, August 2, 1993 TAG: 9308020108
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By CAROLYN CLICK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Sheriff W.Q. Overton said a total of 58 charges were filed, including allegations of public drunkenness, possession of marijuana and possession of alcohol by people under the legal drinking age of 21.
Most of those arrested by the 45 officers were released on summonses, Overton said; eight were held overnight for being drunk in public.
"If we had more police officers, we could have arrested more," said Overton.
Overton, who was assisted by state police, agents of the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Department and Roanoke police, said he has fielded complaints about alcohol violations at the speedway.
The speedway's owner, Whitey Taylor, serves food on the premises but does not have a license to serve alcohol, the sheriff said. Overton said undercover officers who have patrolled the grounds in recent weeks have observed numerous violations.
When spectators spoke up about the drinking, "the ones who complained were asked to leave," the sheriff said. "Even the ones who raced had complained."
About 2,700 racing fans were in attendance when the 8:30 raid began, Overton said. As police moved across the grounds, he said, someone got on the public address system and said, "Get rid of the alcohol. The police are on the way."
Taylor could not be reached for comment Sunday.
Keywords:
AUTO RACING
by CNB