May 29, 2025

For Immediate Release:

Councilman Reno-Weber responds to Highlands traffic disruption with clear action plan

Call for community engagement

Louisville (May 29, 2025) – In the early hours of Sunday, May 25, a large late-night crowd gathered near the intersection of Bardstown Road and Grinstead Drive, temporarily shutting down portions of the roadway. The group blocked traffic, disrupted emergency vehicle access, and disturbed nearby residents.

Councilman Ben Reno-Weber, who represents District 8, issued a strong response and laid out a path forward in partnership with Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) and Louisville Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

“The behavior we witnessed by groups of people in our district this weekend was completely unacceptable. Blocking traffic, preventing emergency vehicles from passing through, and disturbing neighbors trying to sleep is not how we celebrate a holiday weekend in the Highlands.

I want to thank LMPD for their rapid and skillful response. Officers were able to peacefully disperse the crowd without incident or property damage. I’m also grateful for their increased police presence the following night, which quickly stopped an attempted repeat. That’s the kind of feet on the street proactive community policing that makes a real difference.

We welcome everyone to enjoy the Highlands for its legendary hospitality, amazing food, and great vibe, but we expect that enjoyment to be responsible and respectful. We will not tolerate individuals or institutions that encourage this kind of dangerous and disruptive behavior. We are working closely with nearby businesses, LMPD, and Alcohol Beverage Control to prevent a repeat of this situation.”

LMPD Response and Community Call to Action

LMPD’s 5^th Division announced at the monthly Highlands Commerce Guild meeting that they will be implementing additional strategies to help prevent criminal activity in the Highlands area. These include:

• Roll call on weekend nights will occur on Bardstown Road or Baxter Avenue to maintain visible police presence to help deter crime.
• Closing and limiting access to some parking lots on weekends, positioning additional cameras in the area, and working with local business owners to prevent trespassing and other crime.
• A dedicated detail squad will patrol Bardstown Road on Friday and Saturday nights. The goal is to have officers in the right place, at the right time to address any potential illegal activity.
• Officers will saturate the area during times when large gatherings are most likely.

LMPD is also urging community involvement to help prevent crime and protect the neighborhood.

Local business owners are encouraged to complete a Trespass Enforcement Request Form, which authorizes LMPD to address trespassing on commercial property without an on-site complaint.

• Submit an online form here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b200bef007c44a79b25e8e53f294c3cd.
• More details and requirements are available on the LMPD website here: louisville-police.org/942/Authorization-for-Enforcement-of-Trespas.
• Questions, please contact LMPD’s 5^th Division (502) 574-7636.

Finally, LMPD encourages residents and businesses to report suspicious behavior to the LMPD Anonymous Tip Line at 574-LMPD (5673) or online here: https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=563#.

“We have seen a significant drop in crime and revival of business in this area over the last two years by focusing on hotspots, partnering with neighbors, and working closely with LMPD and ABC,” said Councilman Reno-Weber. “Hopefully this incident is the spark we need to take that to a new level.”

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