NATCHEZ — The holiday weekend brought several arrests in the downtown area — including two open container arrests, one disturbing the peace and two public drunkenness arrests.

Natchez Police Chief Mike Mullins said there is typically not that much criminal activity downtown, but said it’s due to the holiday weekend.

He said to combat New Year’s revelers patrol officers will be keeping a sharp eye on motorists and the downtown area.

“Officers do get out of their vehicles on foot periodically downtown checking the alleyways for individuals causing any problems,” Mullins said. “They will be out on foot downtown.”

Also, Mullins said officers will be positioned in different locations around town looking out for residents who attempt to discharge firearms in celebration of the clock striking midnight.

“We normally have some individuals trying to fire weapons in the air to celebrate. In the past, we’ve had bullets come down and penetrate the roofs of some houses,” he said.

Anyone shooting a firearm within city limits will be arrested, and if any subsequent injuries or deaths come as a result, charges will be filed, Mullins said.

Mullins said the downtown arrests that took place over the weekend started with one incident Saturday at a Main Street bar.

A man was allegedly assaulted with a beer bottle by Bridget Ann Book, 27, 1409 E. Broussard Road, Lafayette, La.

The report was made at 1:40 a.m., Mullins said. At 1:54 a.m., Book was arrested for public drunkenness on Market Street along with Courtney Bacon, 30, no address listed, for an open container violation.

At 6:11 a.m., Book was arrested again in the Natchez Police Department lobby after allegedly starting a fight, and she was charged with disturbing the peace.

Mullins said he believes Book was waiting in the lobby being bonded out for her public drunkenness charge when she was arrested again.

On Sunday, Mickey Joe Richards, 36, was arrested on South Pearl Street for public drunkenness and Payden Pressgrove, 20, 12 Oakland Park, was arrested for open container violation and possession of alcohol by a minor on Main Street.

Both arrests were between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Adams County Sheriff Ronny Brown also said the county will be putting out more deputies on New Year’s Eve.

The sheriff’s office is also continuing its campaign against drunk driving and seat belt violations over the new year.

“We just want everybody to have a safe year,” Brown said. “Don’t drink and drive.”

If residents are over the limit and do not have transportation, Brown said the sheriff’s department will provide transportation.

Anyone who wants a ride can call the sheriff’s office at 601-442-2752.