In recent weeks the Platte River at Schramm State Park has been a recreational hot spot.While most people are enjoying themselves responsibly a few unruly individuals have law enforcement saying enough is enough.
“Just sort of lawlessness where people are thumbing their nose at the law, then we got to come act on that we need to do it swiftly and people’s health is at risk. We had an assault down here, I think and individual’s jaw was broken, ” Nebraska State Patrol Captain Jason Scott told 6 News.
Starting this weekend Sarpy County Sheriff's deputies will join other agencies in stepping up enforcement along the sandbar and they won't be issuing warnings.
“We are going to have a zero-tolerance policy down here at Schramm State Park about drinking violations, traffic violations, criminal violations,” Sarpy County Chief Deputy Sheriff Greg London tells 6 News.
The enforcement will be from river to road where state troopers and deputies will ticket anyone who decides to park along Highway 31.
London says they don't want to spoil anyone's fun, but as airboats search for a missing eight-year-old girl just upriver the possibility of another tragedy is on their minds.
“You can’t come down here and start drinking and end up in the river and that’s what we’re worried about we don’t want another drowning down here at Schramm State Park,” says.
During the increased enforcement by troopers, deputies, and game wardens, some will be patrolling out of uniform and dressed for the surroundings.
(Photo: 6 News)