August police reports surge, chief says

While the number of Libby Police case reports increased during August, Libby Police Chief Jim Smith said the surge last month was in line with past years.

As Smith addressed Libby City Council members on Tuesday with his monthly report, he said the 341 cases in August represents only a slight increase above average.

“In August, we generally have about 330 cases,” Smith said. “Three-hundred, forty-one is a little higher. We’ve come to expect it. It’s like the Igniter’s weekend is the last gasp of the summer. People just want to get out there one last time.”

Smith’s report for August also included 38 citations and 26 arrests.

Similarly, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s blotter showed a spike in case reports, reflective of the increase of people during the three-day weekend.

“Really, it was the locals and not so much the out-of-town guests,” Smith said. “It’s just people cutting loose.”

Smith indicated Libby Police were out in full force during Ignite the Nites weekend, which included Thursday, Aug. 15 to Saturday, Aug. 17.

Similarly, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department reported an increase in assaults over the normal amount of police cases.