HEMP FEST TURNS VIOLENT

33 Arrested At Credit Island Event

DAVENPORT -- What started out to be a day of peace and love quickly
descended into violence and arrests, as this year's spring Hemp Fest at
Credit Island Park was closed early Saturday afternoon by police.

Thirty-three people were arrested on charges ranging from possession of
controlled substances to assault, and one Davenport police officer was
seriously injured.

Police and festival participants alike described the incident as a "riot"
situation.

The 36-year-old police officer, a 16-year veteran of the department,
suffered a leg injury that required surgery at a local hospital. Because he
is an undercover officer, his name was not released by police.

Police reported no other injuries.

Saturday's festival began at noon. Shortly before 1 p.m., police began
making arrests.

'Our intent was not to close the park down, but just to monitor the
situation ....' Officer Dave Kanaack, Davenport Police

That's when some of the festival-goers violently resisted arrest and
started "throwing bottles and rocks," said Officer Dave Kanaack, one of
about 20 officers at the scene. "Our intent was not to close the park down,
but just to monitor the situation with regard to Iowa laws."

Since possession and recreational use of hemp, from which marijuana is
derived, is illegal, Officer Kanaack said, "We're not just going to look
the other way."

Obviously, some of the festival-goers held a different viewpoint.