Crowds return to Waterfront Park after gunfire forces Louisville police to shut down park Friday

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Big Four Bridge at Waterfront Park was shut down Friday night after a chaotic scene of fights and gunshots as three teenagers were arrested.

Louisville Metro Police said officers responded around 7:30 p.m. as two groups of teenagers and young adults fired at each other as hundreds of people gathered around the base of the Big Four Bridge.

"All units to the Waterfront," a police officer radioed to a 911 operator.

"We've got everybody coming," a 911 operator answers back.

A few minutes later, police worked to control the crowd.

"Have the responding units come to the base of the Big Four Bridge. We have this under control for now, but there are still several hundred people out here we need to control," a police officer radioed to a 911 operator.

No one was shot, according to LMPD. During the incident, three teenagers between the ages of 13 and 16 were arrested. Police also found a gun at the scene.

But on Saturday, crowds returned to the popular park in downtown Louisville.

Local high school freshmen Carl Washington and Richardo Gaines visited Waterfront Park Saturday. They were both on the way to the Big Four Bridge when the shots were fired Friday night.

"We didn't see it, we played basketball and came over," Gaines said.

"I wasn't surprised, stuff always happens," Washington said.

The two returned to Waterfront Park Saturday to enjoy the weather on spring break.

"It's a good breeze, I'll come out here and talk to people, make some new friends," Gaines said.

Washington said it's important for families to be able to safely enjoy the park.

"It's a little bonding experience, and it's exercise," Washington said. "Talking to people, meeting new people, we're just walking."

LMPD said officers responded quickly to diffuse the incident, closing a portion of River Road to secure the scene Friday.

"It's very important because if the police aren't here or don't respond quickly, people don't feel like they can enjoy the community space together," said Joshua Walraven, who visited the park Saturday. "If we protect this space, more people can enjoy the city of Louisville."

Earlier this month, LMPD chief Paul Humphrey said there'd be an increased police presence at Waterfront Park during spring break.

"We will have extra details and patrols around the Waterfront, some of our areas that we expect to have increased traffic during this time to make sure everybody stays safe," Humphrey said.

Some said they won't be deterred from enjoying the park by the violent incident.

"Usually there's police cars here so I feel safe," Gaines said.

"Knowing nothing is going to happen because all the police are there," Washington said.

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