Sheriff reports typical holiday

Lebanon and Wilson County survived another New Years holiday without any significant incidents, according to both sheriff's and police officials.

“We had your typical holiday time,” said Sheriff Robert Bryan. “There were several domestic [disturbances], and we had a few vehicle burglaries down in the west part of the county.”

Bryan and Lebanon police Chief Scott Bowen both said there were increased numbers of alcohol- and/or drug-related arrests, such as DUIs and public intoxication.

“It goes back to everybody being off from work and having that free time,” said Bryan. “A lot of them partake of the alcohol and decide they want to get out and drive.”

Bowen said Lebanon police received about 700 calls from Dec. 28 through Jan. 1.

“We spent a significant amount of our time working traffic-related stuff,” said Bowen.

According to Bowen, police responded to eight injury accidents within city limits between Dec. 28 and Jan. 1.

“We average 20-30 injury accidents a month, so for eight in five days, that’s pretty significant for us,” said Bowen. “Fortunately, we didn’t have anything too serious.”

Bowen said inclement weather and road conditions were likely partially responsible for the increased number of wrecks.

The Sheriff’s department also noted several wrecks but none that were significant.

“I know we had no fatalities,” said Bryan.

Bryan also noted that the Sheriff’s department’s free ride program on New Year’s Eve provided rides for 35 people this year.

“That’s 35 people that didn’t drink and drive,” said Bryan.

Lebanon police put 10 additional officers on the roads Friday for a DUI saturation.

According to Bowen, police originally planned a sobriety checkpoint for Friday, but they decided to instead do a saturation because of hazardous road conditions.

A grant from the Tennessee Governor’s Highways Safety Office funded Lebanon’s saturation, according to Bowen.

While there were increased numbers of DUIs over the holiday when compared to average numbers, the numbers seem to have improved.

“A lot of people do a good job now of taking advantage of designated driver programs and calling cabs,” said Bowen. “Overall, everything went pretty smooth.”