WPD: Some Toy Run riders seen drinking before the event

November 08, 2011|By Brian Heap | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(WICHITA, Kan.) — Wichita Police plan to meet with organizers of the Wichita Toy Run to discuss future safety changes to the annual event to benefit needy children during the holidays.

The announcment comes after police released details of two injury crashes and several reports of motorcycle riders drinking alcohol before Sunday's 32nd annual run.

"Unfortunately, we have some irresponsible individuals who made some bad choices during this run that resulted in some collisions and resulted in some injuries," Lt. Joe Schroeder said.

Sunday's event attracted nearly three thousand riders in what is a major donation drive for the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots.

Schroeder said police received "numerous reports" of riders drinking alcohol prior to the start of the event. Some of those riders were later seen performing stunts and jumping curbs while participating, Schroeder said.

"It falls on the shoulders of those people (witnesses to drinking) to notify organizers so that person can be stopped from participating in the run," he said.

Schroeder, head of WPDs Accident Follow-up Unit and coordinator of special events planning, said he plans to meet with Toy Run organizers in the future to discuss ways to improve safety.

The majority of riders did a fine job last Sunday only "a handful" of people were irresponsible, he said.

Toy Run organizer Holly Potelle told Eyewitness News it's important the focus remain on the positive work being done to help the Salvation Army's Christmas distribution program and Toys for Tots.

"We have worked hand in hand with the police department for years and (I hope) that we can continue to have good dialogue and communication with PD to get this resolved," she said.

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