More police assigned at Northbeach this weekend

Patrons of Northbeach and Ivy in Dewey Beach can expect to see more of a police presence in the parking lot of both restaurants Friday and Saturday nights.

Additional officers from Delaware State Police have been hired by Highway One, the Dewey-based company that owns both restaurants, in response to a June 19 parking-lot incident that saw five people arrested for kicking and punching Dewey Beach police. Rehoboth Beach and Delaware State Police also responded to incident.

Dewey Beach Mayor Diane Hanson said this week action would be taken following a June 20 meeting among town officials. On June 23, Hanson said Highway One President Alex Pires has hired the additional police force.

It was the second time this month neighboring police departments responded to calls for assistance from Dewey police to the conjoining parking lots at the bayside end of Dagsworthy Avenue. An incident June 1 garnered a response from Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, Bethany Beach and Delaware State Police after Dewey police called for assistance when responding to possible shots fired.

The additional police may deter further incidents, but it appears Dewey’s town council may also attempt to address future issues.

Hanson said she can’t comment on specifics, but she expects to place something on the agenda for town council’s next meeting, at 6 p.m., Friday, July 8, in the Dewey Beach Life Saving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave.

“I just want residents to know the town is doing something,” she said.

Town attorney Fred Townsend said the town is continuing to evaluate its options, but, he said, it’s not like the town can just touch a couple of buttons and make something happen.

“It’s going to take some work on our end,” he said.