According to Kingston Police, a total of 128 charges were laid during Queen’s Homecoming weekend, an increase from 85 charges issued in 2018.

In a media brief released on Oct. 23, Kingston Police reported officers made 22 arrests and processed two criminal charges between Oct.18 and 19. Last year’s Homecoming saw 13 arrests.

Kingston Police laid nine charges under the University District Safety Initiative (UDSI) and the Nuisance Party By-law, which were both piloted in 2018. Of those charges, eight were laid under the nuisance party by-law and one was laid for blocking or obstructing traffic.

The report also stated there were 97 cases of open alcohol during Homecoming and six cases of underage drinking. Police didn’t seize any kegs this year, whereas last year, officers seized three kegs.

Kingston City Bylaw also issued 21 court summons, which included 15 for hosting nuisance parties and six for amplified sounds during prohibited times.

On Oct. 19 in the evening, two criminal incidents occurred involving two men, one of which assaulted an officer while the other assaulted a paramedic. Following investigation, Kingston Police were able to identify both males and make arrests.

According to an Oct. 25 media release, an officer attempted to stop a man from committing an offence, prompting the accused to actively resist the officer. The exchange was also video recorded by several bystanders.

“[The accused] then began punching the officer while the surrounding crowd threw beer cans and encouraged actions,” the press release stated.

According to the report, the identity of the accused is a 16-year-old youth, and was arrested on Oct. 24 for assaulting police, escaping lawful custody of an officer, and resisting arrest. He was released on conditions with a future court date, the police said.

Similarly, the police have also charged a 19-year-old man for assaulting Frontenac Paramedics on Oct. 19. According to the same press release, the paramedic was called to assist an intoxicated man in downtown Kingston.

“Upon arrival they found the male accused lying on the bathroom floor in a pool of vomit, however he was conscious enough to speak,” the report stated.

While the paramedic tried to assist the accused to the ambulance, the accused started acting aggressively.

“The accused proceeded to strike one of the paramedics in the face,” the press release stated. “Police were then requested to attend the scene to assist.”

The man was later transported to Kingston General Hospital under police escort.

“He continued to be combative with police and paramedics and vomited several more times while being transported to the hospital,” the police said.

According to the press release, the accused turned himself into Kingston Police headquarters at the request of the investigating officer on Oct. 24. He was also released on condition and awaits a future court date.