Sheriff’s Office representative told the East Bethel City Council on Aug. 25 that July was the department’s busiest month to date, with 529 calls for service and an increase in proactive traffic enforcement. "July was our busiest month, to to date. We had a total of 529 calls for service," the representative said.

The official provided a breakdown of incidents the department handled in July, including six thefts, two assaults and three damage-to-property calls. Deputies made 37 arrests on miscellaneous offenses, and conducted 218 traffic stops inside the city that led to 23 traffic citations.

The speaker described several notable incidents. On July 12 at about 2:20 a.m., deputies stopped a vehicle near Highway 65 after a reported assault inside the car; one occupant was arrested on charges of assault and obstruction after resisting arrest. On July 13 at 1:55 a.m., a driver stopped for driving conduct failed field sobriety tests, and a preliminary breath test showed a BAC of 0.125; an evidentiary test later reported 0.13 and the driver was booked for fourth-degree DWI. On July 19 at 11:40 p.m., deputies responded to a residence on Oconee Circle Northeast after an argument and later booked a female on disorderly conduct and obstruction. On July 30 at 6:40 p.m., deputies arrested a pastor on an outstanding warrant and reported finding about 2.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 2 grams of suspected fentanyl in the vehicle.

The sheriff’s representative emphasized the department’s expanded traffic enforcement this year: "Last year at this time, we had conducted a total of 884 traffic stops compared to this year's total of 1,423 through July." The speaker encouraged residents to call 911 when they observe suspicious or dangerous behavior, saying community tips help deputies target problem areas.

Council members asked whether the rise in enforcement and traffic incidents was a regional trend. The representative said some metro areas see seasonal increases in traffic fatalities but that the department’s enforcement levels are “right at where we usually are for a lot of things.”

No formal council action was taken on the sheriff’s report; the presentation concluded with an opportunity for questions.