Gentry questions lack of response during rave

July 09, 2010

Valencia County Commissioner Ron Gentry questioned the lack of response from the Valencia County Sheriff’s Department after citizens called police to complain about the bright lights and loud music coming from a rave last weekend in Tierra Grande.

“We’ve got an ordinance that prohibits that, unless it’s licensed and permitted and so forth,” he said.

The rave, held the night of July 3, was not permitted, according to Gentry.

In October, the county commission approved an anti-rave ordinance in an effort to stop the high-intensity dance parties from occurring in Valencia County.

Gentry said at least seven residents called law enforcement about the rave but no one from the sheriff’s department responded.

“It flies in the face of this commission, which passed an ordinance,” Gentry said of the lack of response.

Gentry wanted the sheriff’s department to explain exactly what occurred, whether dispatch never contacted the sheriff’s department or if the sheriff’s department simply didn’t respond.

During Wednesday’s commission meeting, Captain Don Donges said he would get answers.

“I am shocked at what you’ve just said, Commissioner Gentry,” Donges said. “This is the first time I’ve heard of it.”

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