Unauthorized rodeo shut down in South Fulton

Police arrested two organizers for not having the proper permits to hold the event and sell alcohol.

A weekend rodeo and concert was shut down at a metro Atlanta ranch when police discovered event organizers never secured permits.

South Fulton police were tipped off to the event on Saturday after getting complaints of heavy traffic for miles stretching from Rancho El Paraiso in the 3200 block of Butner Road. The event traffic also caused congestion on Newtown Drive and Camp Creek Parkway, according to police.

The rodeo was advertised online as the ranch’s grand opening.

Robert Figuero and Jorge Maciel were arrested on charges they did not secure permits to hold the event and to sell alcohol, both required under city code.

“The South Fulton Police Department received a number of complaints regarding this incident and we are proud of how our men and women responded to resolve this matter quickly,” police cheif Keith Meadows said in a statement. “This is another example of how an effective partnership between the community and law enforcement working together can ensure South Fulton is a safer, stronger city.”

Rosa Ramirez, who owns a local rental company, told Channel 2 Action News she provided 650 chairs, tables and canopies for the concert. Ramirez arrived Sunday to pick up her rental materials and the remaining money she was owed, but she found the gates locked, the news station reported.

“It's sad because the person that there was contact with, they didn’t ever pick up or answer the messages to say anything about the incident on Saturday," she said.