Police: No Shootings, Stabbings at Sturgis This Year

STURGIS, S.D. (AP) — Officials credit months of planning on the local, state and federal levels for a lack of violent crime at the 75th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in western South Dakota.

Officials tell the Rapid City Journal there were the typical fights, alcohol-related offenses and drug arrests. But law enforcement in Sturgis, Deadwood, Spearfish, Rapid City and with the Highway Patrol all report no shootings, stabbings or other major violence.

State Department of Public Safety spokesman Tony Mangan says behind-the-scenes cooperation and planning among law enforcement was a factor in the smooth rally.

Attendance guesses for this year's rally exceeded 1 million people. That had led to some concerns about possible violence, especially after a May shootout in Waco, Texas, involving motorcycle clubs. Nine people were killed and 18 injured.