Highlands to see increased LMPD patrols after Memorial Day weekend crowd shuts down street
Louisville Metro council member Ben Reno-Weber is promising changes to policing habits in the Highlands neighborhood after hundreds of people swarmed Bardstown Road near Grinstead Drive early May 25, blocking traffic and causing disturbances in the area.
In a May 29 news release, Reno-Weber condemned the group's activity, which resulted in Louisville Metro Police having to clear the street.
"The behavior we witnessed by groups of people in our district this weekend was completely unacceptable," the statement reads. "Blocking traffic, preventing emergency vehicles from passing through and disturbing neighbors trying to sleep is not how we celebrate a holiday weekend in the Highlands."
LMPD received a call reporting the crowd and people doing burnouts in the street at around 3:20 a.m., spokesperson John Bradley said. When officers arrived, they found several hundred people in the vicinity fully blocking the area. A Facebook video shows people surrounding a car with a man standing up through the sunroof, saying, 'We can't move.'
The group dispersed willingly when police arrived and no violence occurred, Bradley said. The road was cleared by 4:10 a.m.
Many bars surround the area where the crowd broke out, including Highlands Tap Room, Chill Bar Highlands, Atomic Sound Club & Game Yard and The Hub Louisville, some of which are open as late as 4 a.m. on the weekends.
"We welcome everyone to enjoy the Highlands for its legendary hospitality, amazing food, and great vibe, but we expect that enjoyment to be responsible and respectful," Reno-Weber said in his statement.
Reno-Weber said he is working with LMPD to assign a detail squad to Bardstown Road on Friday and Saturday nights to "saturate the area during times when large gatherings are most likely."
LMPD announced at a Highlands Commerce Guild meeting that the department will be taking additional steps to increase police presence and deter crime in the Highlands neighborhood, including closing and limiting access to some parking lots, installing more surveillance cameras and working directly with local business owners to prevent trespassing.
LMPD said it encourages business owners affected by local disturbances to file a Trespass Enforcement Request Form, which authorizes officers to address trespassing without an on-site complaint.
'We have seen a significant drop in crime and revival of business in this area over the last two years by focusing on hot spots, partnering with neighbors, and working closely with LMPD and [Alcoholic Beverage Control],' Reno-Weber said in the release. 'Hopefully this incident is the spark we need to take that to a new level.'
Residents and businesses are encouraged by LMPD to report suspicious activity to 574-LMPD (5673) or online.
Reach reporter Molly Gregory at msgregory@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Bardstown Road incident sparks action from Metro Council, LMPD
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