This year’s annual “go topless” Jeep weekend in Texas resulted in more than 100 arrests and dozens, including a sheriff’s deputy being sent to the hospital during the event attended by tens of thousands.
More than 80,000 Jeep enthusiasts attended the weekend-long event at Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula.
Authorities say Sgt. John Hamm was responding to a minor crash on State Highway 87 near Holiday Drive around 1:30 a.m. when a suspected drunk driver struck him.
Sheriff Henry Trochesset said the deputy nearly went through the vehicle’s windshield as a result of the impact.
Hamm’s suffered two broken legs, as well as an arm and head injury. He was airlifted to a local hospital where he had surgery on Sunday.
The driver, Darius Danzell Gilbert, 22, of Jefferson County Texas was arrested and faces a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer. He was being held on a $100,000 bond.
There were at least 38 individuals transported to area hospitals during the event, including eight that required an airlift transport.
Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset said more than 100 people were arrested over the weekend, as deputies responded to assaults, fights and DWIs.
Galveston County Emergency Services said the influx of people was straining emergency services, noting a large increase in the crowds this year.
