Minors among 17 people arrested as spring break kick-off led to Galveston Beach closures: Police

GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Galveston Island was bustling on Friday afternoon as spring break kicked off, and more than 15 people were arrested on a variety of charges, according to the Galveston Police Department.

It all started when the department said Galveston Beach was experiencing large crowds of young people and extremely heavy traffic, to the point that they had to close beach access points on the far west end of the island.

In an update later in the afternoon, GPD said it had reopened the nine access points it had been forced to close.

The Galveston County Sheriff's Office also said they had increased law enforcement along I-45 heading into the island due to "Senior Skip Day," a day when high school seniors agree among themselves to skip school and have fun.

GPD later reported that, in a joint effort with other law enforcement agencies, 17 people were arrested for several charges, including possession of marijuana or controlled substances, resisting or interfering with police, reckless driving, driving under the influence, and more.

In their report, GPD said two minors were arrested, one for DWI and the other for possession. They added that eight people were caught and arrested for carrying prohibited weapons.