Annual block party marred by fights, report of sexual assault

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. – An annual block party that marks the start of a new semester at the University of North Georgia got out of hand Saturday, leading the property owner to call police and ultimately to several arrests for assault and one claim of sexual assault.

UNG Public Safety Director Greg Williams and Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy Jarrard posted a video account of the event to appeal to parents to talk to their teens about attending large, unauthorized gatherings.

Williams said, “Parents, as we told you when we first brought your child to the university, we are committed to providing a safe environment for them to learn, work and play in. That may include holding people accountable for their actions when necessary.”

The party took place off campus at University Heights on Roberta Drive and was not sanctioned by the university.

Sheriff Stacy Jarrard stated, “In the future there will be more arrests. Our only objective is to keep people safe. It is unacceptable to have younger people assaulted and sexually assaulted and others where there are fights involved. We can’t tolerate that.”