Louisville police make arrests, confiscate guns along Bardstown Road amid increased patrols

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville Metro Police arrested four people, cited three others and confiscated four guns around Highlands bars over the weekend.

Video circulating on social media shows police trying to clear people out of the street and several fights breaking out near businesses, including a Wendy's, along Bardstown Road.

Ryan Toussaint's home backs up to where the videos were taken. He said he didn't hear the commotion this weekend but has noticed more police.

"It seems like there's been a lot of extra law enforcement involved lately and it seems like it's kind of slowing down, not nearly what it was before," Toussaint said.

Neighbors have raised concerns for years about crime, noise and late-night crowds around Bardstown Road and Baxter Avenue.

Toussaint said from his perspective, it has been getting better.

According to LMPD's crime map, there have been no homicides so far this year along the stretch of Bardstown Road and Baxter Avenue near the bars. That compares to three homicides in 2024 and one in 2025.

"The nights of sirens going on 'til 4, 5 in the morning, we're not having that anymore," Toussaint said.

LMPD said Task Force officers and 5th Division Patrol officers worked through teamwork, communication and proactive policing efforts to help keep entertainment areas safe for residents and visitors.

Task Force officers maintained a presence around the Big Four Bridge and NuLu areas without the need for enforcement action, LMPD said.

In the Bardstown Road corridor over the weekend, LMPD said officers observed large crowds enjoying the evening and worked together to maintain safety and order throughout the area.

Officers focused on clearing congested parking lots, keeping sidewalks accessible and addressing violations including public drinking, disorderly conduct, street racing ordinance violations, marijuana offenses and illegal firearm possession.

This weekend's arrests are less than weekends past. One weekend in March, LMPD wrote 60 citations and arrested 20 people.

Toussaint said he wants the police presence to continue.

"I think it's going to take a little bit longer and more consistent budget of patrol, otherwise it's gonna spark right back up again," Toussaint said.

LMPD said it wants people to come out and enjoy the city and its entertainment districts responsibly. However, if individuals come out intending to fight, cause disturbances or engage in unsafe or unlawful behavior, officers will take enforcement action, whether those involved are adults or juveniles.