The Tulsa State Fair is only in town for two more days, but that doesn't mean the Tulsa County Sheriff's Department is letting its guard down just yet.
Deputies say the fair so far has been mostly mellow, however, there are a few incidents that popped up and kept them busy.
“Eleven Days of Awesome,” that's the fair's slogan, and it's up to local law enforcement to make sure that statement stays true.
“I’d love to give credit to us, but I don't believe it's us,” Cpl. Eric Anderson of TCSO said. “I think it's the families and the crowds that have come out.”
It’s been a great fair so far, but as with any major event there were some hiccups along the way.
“We’ve made approximately 12 arrests, most of those just public [intoxication] or fighting,” said Cpt. Ernie Mendenhall of TCSO. “We’ve also conducted the under 21 compliance checks where by we check the vendors to ensure they are not selling to anyone under 21.”
This year's sting revealed two vendors sold alcohol to minors. And that's not the only thing deputies have seen this year.
“We were able to find a runaway,” Cpt. Mendenhall said. “A young man had gone for awhile from a foster home and we were able to locate him and get him back with DHS.”
An incident with the exchange of counterfeit money and four stolen items were also reported, along with the arrest of two men trading explicit photos with a minor.
But to deputies, the fair is more than protecting, it's about serving.
“This is a time when I get to come out here and meet people and talk to people and interact with people without them being in crisis,” Cpl. Anderson said.
Deputies say the fair is their chance to develop a sense of trust with the community.
There's still two days left at the fair, and TCSO has high hopes it'll end this year on a positive note.
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