Thanks guys. Can't really change the route as that is the one and only main road between the area I live in and just about everything else. There is an old 4X4 trail along the north east coast that's a blast in itself but certainly not recommended for commuting!
I don't anticipate any further problems around the same area, as 99% of those there were from different parts. People gather from far and wide for these events.
I have already made some calls looking into the main character and it seems he is "a person of interest" with dubious means of support for his lifestyle, associates with suspected criminals but has no actual rap sheet of his own. My police contacts asked me if I want to persue the matter but after discussing it with them, it would likely be a clusterf--k of conflicting accounts without a decisive result. They figure it's only a matter of time before they nail him on something concrete or one of his peers does him in as flamboyant guys in the drug business who draw attention to themselves don't tend to last very long. None of the "witnesses" stuck around when the SSU guys arrived - even the girl was long gone by the time I was allowed to turn around.
It's still safe to visit, Tru! Just keep away from throngs of drunk kids leaving a carnival party at 4am!
The powers that be recognized the recipe for trouble which is why the SSU were deployed to the area.