Highlands area sees another chaotic weekend with street takeover
For the second consecutive weekend, Bardstown Road in the Highlands was the scene of chaos, as a large unauthorized gathering turned violent, forcing LMPD to take action.
What began as crowds blocking traffic and an impromptu street party quickly escalated into a troubling situation, drawing significant police intervention to restore order.
Early Sunday morning, police responded to reports of crowds flooding Bardstown Road, with people climbing on cars, blocking traffic, and motorcycles revving engines outside local establishments like Taco Bell.
Tensions rose near Atomic, where a security confrontation led to attempts to disarm security.
An off-duty officer intervened, sparking a physical altercation and further disruption. The Rapid Response Team was called to stop the mounting chaos.
Police arrested three individuals, including two women and a 16-year-old girl, all charged with disorderly conduct.
Local residents and regular patrons voiced frustration over the recurring street takeovers. Glenn Hill, who frequents the area, emphasized the need for a stronger police presence to prevent future incidents.
"There's no need for any takeover or violence. It맥스카지노s not good for the area or anyone trying to enjoy their time here with good food and drinks," Hill stated.
Others, like Phil Palmer, suggested implementing stricter measures, such as curfews and early closing times for bars.
"These bars should close by 1:30 or 2 a.m., like in Lexington. That might help reduce the disruptions."
In response to the mounting pressure, Chief Paul Humphrey assured the public that LMPD is taking steps to manage potential future disruptions before they escalate.
Measures include increased patrols along Bardstown Road on Friday and Saturday nights and restricted access to certain parking lots on the weekends.
"We'll make sure we are responding ahead of time, so it never reaches the point of blocking streets or creating risks for pedestrians and emergency responders," Humphrey said.
Councilman Ben Reno Weber echoed the commitment to public safety and confirmed ongoing collaboration with LMPD to implement stricter rules and enhance police visibility in the area.
As the Highlands community grapples with consecutive weekends of unrest, the focus remains on ensuring Bardstown Road remains a safe and enjoyable hub for locals and visitors alike.