34 arrested at OU during annual Halloween party

ATHENS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio University’s annual Halloween street party was mellow but still netted 34 arrests, the city’s police department said.

Athens police made 28 arrests for disorderly conduct and 11 arrests for underage drinking Saturday.

Authorities stepped up police presence with mounted patrols and bike patrol officers to monitor the festivities, Ohio University Police Chief Mike Martinsen said.

More than 20,000 people were expected for the party on a few blocks around the university’s campus.

Crowds may have been bolstered by revelers who made the trip from Columbus, looking for something to do because the Ohio State Buckeyes were playing an away game against Penn State, Martinsen said.

Last year police made more than 120 arrests.

Ohio University students started celebrating Halloween with a street party during the 1970s, and in recent years city officials have tried to take an active part in making the event more family friendly in order to minimize problems.