“We’re going to make sure our citizens are safe. The situation has been taken care of,” Blue Ridge Police Chief Johnny Scearce said last Wednesday.
Scearce was referring to the safety of residents and visitors alike and concerns over a “parade of trucks” and other vehicles in downtown Blue Ridge.
Downtown Development Authority Chairman Cesar Martinez raised the concern at the August 11 city council meeting. He said those involved in the parades were speeding, blaring loud music, yelling obscenities, and sporting Confederate flags.
“Most everybody I’ve talked to has basically said it is intimidating our customers and the visitors coming into Blue Ridge,” Martinez told the council.
When questioned by Councilman Nathan Fitts over whether a report had been made to the police, there was no answer.
Councilman Mike Panter reminded Martinez that the First Amendment gives citizens the right to fly any flag they want.
After hearing the concerns, Scearce said enforcement was intensified the following weekend, August 14 through the 17.
Sergeant Joe Patterson issued three citations, including one for speeding and one associated with loud music.
Officer Thomas Davis said that, counting “parade” vehicles, he saw no more than eight together at any time and said the majority of the drivers were in their teens, with the exception of one female who was mid-30s.
The parade has included United States, Confederate and other assorted flags displayed from vehicles.
All the participants were warned about what actions – speeding and loud music – would result in citations. “They have been told what is acceptable and what is not,” Scearce said.
“If you’re driving your car faster than you can push it, you’re going too fast downtown,” Patterson said.
Also, any “parade” over four vehicles constitutes a parade and, without a permit, is illegal. Scearce said he is responsible for issuing such permits, and has not done so.
Scearce also said he has talked to several business owners and none have told him of firsthand accounts of the “parade” participants yelling obscenities or spitting on people.
Scearce said officers will keep a close eye on the situation every weekend.
“Those who break the law will be issued a citation,” Scearce said.
“But we will also protect the Constitutional rights of those who want to wave any flag they choose,” the chief concluded.
He said that officers experienced no “incidents” involving anyone displaying flags this past weekend downtown.