Man Arrested at CAA Sundance Party Following Racial Incident
During the Sundance Film Festival, a man was arrested at a CAA party held at the High West Saloon in Park City, Utah. The incident occurred during a crowded celebration of independent film on the festival’s first weekend, highlighting the event’s vibrant atmosphere.
Incident Details
A source revealed that the suspect entered the venue without an invitation, using an alternate entrance to evade security measures. The man was reportedly not listed on the RSVP list and did not belong to any confirmed guest.
Disturbance and Arrest
Around midnight, the situation escalated when the man allegedly made racially charged comments in the restroom, declaring his pride in being “white.” Following this, he exited the restroom and physically assaulted a person of color in the vicinity.
- Suspect Description: Caucasian male
- Location: High West Saloon, Park City
- Time: Midnight
Security intervened swiftly, detaining the man until local authorities arrived. The Park City Police confirmed the arrest but withheld details regarding charges or the suspect’s identity. By Saturday afternoon, the man remained in custody, as noted by a Summit County Sheriff’s Office representative.
Environment of the Festival
Park City Police maintain a strong presence during the Sundance Festival, particularly around Main Street and nearby venues like High West Saloon. This establishment features multiple floors and private rooms, ensuring the alleged assault was isolated from the event’s main festivities. CAA controlled the event tightly, likely keeping many guests unaware of the unfolding situation.
Requests for comments from High West were declined due to their policy on private events. The Sundance Film Festival concludes on February 1, marking a significant year as it is the last festival to take place in Park City before transitioning to Boulder, Colorado.
Historical Context of Arrests
Incidents involving arrests during Sundance are not unprecedented. Former Summit County Sheriff Dave Edmunds reflected on his experiences, emphasizing the chaotic nature of past festivals. He described the scene of the late ’90s and early 2000s as “pure insanity,” highlighting the unique atmosphere of the event.
