Louisville police stepping up to shut down late-night pop-up parties

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville police are stepping up to shut down pop-up parties that have cropped up in recent weeks.

At a news conference Wednesday, Louisville Metro Police Deputy Chief Ryan Bates said late-night pop-up parties in parking lots and in the middle of the street continue to be a problem.

The most recent pop-up was on Market Street in the NuLu area over the weekend. Louisville police also responded to parties on River Road and Bardstown Road in recent weeks, and there was a triple-shooting Kentucky Derby weekend a party in the Kroger parking lot at 28th and Broadway. Two people died

Bates said the parties interfere with businesses, attracts illegal behavior like open alcohol container, puts a strain on police resources and creates a challenge for first responders trying to help those in need.

"We have to call other divisions to assist with this problem," Bates said. "In the division where they're occurring and that's time that could have been spent patrolling your neighborhoods and responding to calls for service in those areas."

Police said it is investigating whether the pop-up parties are hosted by the same group of people.

The street takeovers started on Bardstown Road near Grinstead Drive in early June partying, fighting and blocking traffic. Police countered with walking patrols, mounted officers and more visible enforcement throughout the summer along with Highlands-Bardstown Road corridor.

On Saturday, June 16, police had to shut down a "pop-up party" on River Road. Police said about 800 people that had been at a private event at Waterfront Park moved to a packed event Stella's Venue. No arrests were made, but officers shut down traffic in the area to help clear the scene.

Then early on Saturday, June 21, LMPD was called Market and Clay Streets in the NuLu neighborhood. Police said about 250 people had gathered with vehicles and motorcycles near Garage Bar and the parking lot for La Bodeguita de Mimi.

Police said they worked with Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) to talk to the crowd, clear sidewalks, get rid of open alcohol containers and move illegally parked vehicles. No arrests were made and no citations issued. The situation was resolved within 30 minutes.

Louisville police shut down illegal 'pop-up party' on River Road

LMPD reports safe night on Bardstown Road after increasing police presence

Businesses frustrated after another 'street takeover' on Bardstown Road near the Highlands