By Shannon Lukens.
Two arrests for alleged fentanyl possession were made up at the Rainbow Gathering in northwest Routt County this weekend. Routt County Undersheriff Doug Scherar confirmed with federal law enforcement partners the seizure of 55 grams of fentanyl and an arrest on Sunday, July 3. That case is an active investigation so no more details are being released.
Scherar also confirmed with federal partners of a previous offender in possession of a firearm who was arrested for alleged possession of 15 grams of fentanyl on Saturday.
Another arrest on Saturday was by Routt County Sheriff’s officers. Undersheriff Doug Scherar says a man was running around naked at the gathering site and acting “highly inappropriate.” He said they had dealt with him a few times. 34-year-old Zackery Greene from North Carolina was taken to the Routt County Jail in Steamboat Springs on charges including indecent exposure and performing an obscene act in front of a law enforcement officer. Greene was in court Sunday afternoon where a protection order was put in place against him for that officer involved. Greene also has a $750 cash surety bond with a court date for 8:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. Greene has had multiple previous charges from states across the country, and charges of Failure to Appear, as discussed in court Sunday afternoon by Deputy District Attorney Zachary Rosen with the 14th Judicial District.
Law enforcement at the scene has taken 428 enforcement actions as of Saturday. That includes arrests, such as narcotics possession and/or distribution, interference with federal officers. It also includes violation notices, and warnings, such as vehicles having inoperable equipment. Another violation is parking in an area that damages the natural resources. It also includes incident reports where federal law enforcement officers may have assisted local law enforcement.
In comparison, there were 600 enforcement actions taken at last year’s gathering in Taos, New Mexico.
Monday, July 4, is the peak day of celebration of world peace for the Rainbow Family Gathering. It’s the 50th anniversary for the group which is having their unauthorized gathering up in northwest Routt County this year.
At last count, the U.S. Forest Service estimated 9,100 in attendance, as of Sunday.
After today, the Rainbow Family members start to disperse and head home. The forest service says many stay on site for several weeks to work on clean-up and rehabilitation in the area.
- US Forest Service Website for the Rainbow Gathering
- A visit to the Rainbow Gathering
- Event Location Map