LMPD says increased police presence making impact after crowds, fights on Bardstown Road

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville Metro Police said its Summer Task Force is making an impact about six weeks after the initiative launched, following a weekend of large crowds and fights along Bardstown Road.

Social media videos from Saturday night showed officers breaking up crowds and responding to fights in the Highlands entertainment district Saturday night. Police arrested four people and confiscated four guns.

In a weekly press conference Wednesday, LMPD Chief Emily McKinley said most of the issues emerge between midnight and 4 a.m. as bars close and large crowds gather in the streets.

"I think there's also an issue with there's people who are congregating outside of the bars because they might be between the ages of 18-21 and they can't get into the bar," McKinley said. "And so we're trying to find ways to alleviate that."

Police said they are working with business owners in the area to address those concerns.

Since launching about six weeks ago, the Summer Task Force has made 78 arrests, issued 118 citations and impounded 10 vehicles, according to LMPD. The department said the vast majority of those encounters involved adults.

LMPD also provided an update on citywide crime trends. Police said homicides are down 11% compared to this time last year, while non-fatal shootings are down 19%. Carjackings have decreased by 30%, and business robberies are down 60%, according to the department.