Broad Ripple, IMPD weigh plans for crowd control - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Broad Ripple Village is now the focus of some serious crowd control because party-goers are packing the streets and stopping traffic.

Broad Ripple regular Carlos Simpson showed us what he calls the busiest part of the village on weekends. Crowds at the intersection of Broad Ripple Ave. and Guilford forced police to shut down streets Saturday night.

"Large numbers, a little bit of security issues and the question is how is it being managed?" Simpson said.

Broad Ripple Village Association President Mark Wolf says they are managing crowds with the help of Indianapolis Metro Police to make sure party goers are safe.

"We just ask people to be smart when they get into a situation. The bars are definitely very aware of the increased traffic in the village," Wolf said.

Earlier this month, gunfire broke out after bar patrons packed the streets in Broad Ripple. One man was shot and another was arrested. The shooting sparked panic in the crowded streets.

Officer Kendale Adams stresses that Broad Ripple is already congested even during daytime hours, but when you add a larger night time crowd plus alcohol, the situation can become dangerous.

"People have to pay attention. There is a small window where someone could come out from the bar and directly into the street," he said.

Metro Police officers are already working on a detailed plan for future crowds, especially the hundreds expected to converge on Broad Ripple during Black Expo weekend.

Either way, Simpson is confident come party time, he and others will get home safe.

"Here on the main strip the police presence is pretty large," he said.

The Broad Ripple Village Association held its quarterly meeting Tuesday at the Indianapolis Arts Center on 67th Street at 7:00 pm. The public was invited to share their ideas on crowd control.