Cincinnati after Opening Day: Police disperse large crowds following ‘disorder and violence’
Cincinnati police said multiple people were arrested after large groups created “disorder and violence” on Opening Day, prompting officers and SWAT to clear areas downtown Thursday night.
What happens when crowds surge after Opening Day in Cincinnati?
Police activity intensified around Great American Ball Park as officers began clearing The Banks just after 9 p. m. Thursday, directing people away from the area and toward “the city. ” A warning was broadcast over a loudspeaker telling the crowd it was time to go home.
Officers blocked the intersection of E. Freedom Way and Marian Spencer Way near the Yard House restaurant, telling people they could not cross and needed to go around. Throughout the day, crews on scene observed officers running to and from different downtown locations as calls came in.
What if resistance slows police response to fights downtown?
Interim Cincinnati Police Chief Adam Hennie said police received multiple calls involving large crowds where there was significant disorder and violence. He said officers met resistance as they tried to dispatch into those areas, which made it difficult to reach victims.
Hennie also said there were reports of people using tasers or chemical irritants against others. He said police were able to disperse crowds with minimal force and that he believed the department’s use of force was “minimal. ” He said no officers were injured.
What happens when multiple locations see unrest at the same time?
Police responses were not limited to one spot. Officers described one instance in which around 20 juveniles were fighting in Washington Park. Additional incidents were described at Fountain Square, and a large group was seen running through The Banks during the Reds game.
FOP President Ken Kober described the scene as “absolute chaos, ” saying what should have been a positive day was overshadowed by juveniles causing chaos. He said police recalled available off-duty SWAT or Civil Disturbance Response Team members to help manage the crowds.
Hennie said multiple people were arrested but did not provide an official number.
