11 arrested as Louisville police increase safety measures to combat crowds in the Highlands

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Large crowds gathering again in Louisville's Highlands neighborhood led to nearly a dozen arrests and even more citations over the weekend.

While the Louisville Metro Police Department says increased patrols and enhanced safety measures led to a "safe and successful weekend," those who live and work in the area say it's not anything new.

"In the past I've had some windows broken, lots of trash, that kind of stuff," said Highlands business owner Ed Stacey.

Stacey has owned his computer store on Bardstown Road since 1966, and is in the middle of where large groups of people spill into the streets after hours, often stopping traffic.

"I kind of feel like we should be last drink at 1 (a.m.) and you got to go by 2 (a.m.)," he said. "That's what Cincinnati does, that is what New York does."

Last weekend, LMPD was busy again, along with Metro Alcoholic Beverage Control, near the corner of Bardstown Road and Grinstead Drive stopping unlawful behavior.

In a news release Monday, the department said that while "most people enjoyed the weekend responsibly," 11 people were arrested. Eight warrants were also served and 21 citations were issued for public intoxication, open containers and violations of the juvenile curfew. Police also seized three firearms and towed three vehicles.

"We have noticed a presence of police a little bit earlier in the Highlands on Friday nights, Saturday nights kind of thing," said Dallas McGarity, who owns a restaurant near the intersection of Bardstown Road and Grinstead Drive.

LMPD said officers patrolling the area are starting those patrols earlier in the evening, and the Mounted Patrol Unit was deployed to "increase visibility and engagement."

Officers often park their cruisers in the parking lots of closed businesses to deter people from gathering there. LMPD said they're closing off private parking lots "that have historically contributed to overcrowding and disorder," such as the Mid City Mall parking lot.

"I think that is a good thing," said McGarity. "It kind of slows down the influx of people coming and parking in our lot. They should, they should be around parking in the Highlands anyway, that late in our space."

LMPD said it has also added more mobile lighting systems down Bardstown Road, which business owners hope will help.

"I do notice the lights and I think it does add a level of safety that wasn't there before," McGarity said.

On weekends, especially throughout the summer, police will be seen on horseback, on four-wheelers and on foot.

"Being proactive, I think, is a good thing," said McGarity. "I also know they probably need to put a little more manpower to it."

As for his previous broken windows, Stacey said he doesn't dare fix them just yet.

"I don't know if I should do it now or wait, because they might do it again so I am going to wait a little bit," he said.

LMPD said Tuesday it's not necessary to increase the amount of officers in the area, but they will be more visible.

"These efforts reflect our commitment to proactive policing and creating a safe environment for everyone to enjoy Louisville," LMPD chief Paul Humphrey said in a news release Tuesday. "By planning ahead and working with our partners, we were able to prevent issues and respond quickly when needed."