Arrests climb in Des Moines entertainment district

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Arrests are soaring in a popular entertainment district in Des Moines.

An analysis by The Des Moines Register of police data shows that arrests in the six-square-block Court Avenue area increased by nearly 50 percent over a four-year span and likely will reach a new high.

Arrests rose from 209 in 2007 to 310 in 2010. This year, police have arrested 299 people through Sept. 20.

The average age of people arrested was 28 this year, and more than 80 percent of those arrested are men.

Police say most of the arrests involved alcohol.

The increase in arrests reflects the success of business owners in attracting more people to the area.

Des Moines Police Sgt. Chris Scott says 99 percent of visitors have fun without causing any problems.