INDIANAPOLIS — Violence is on the rise around bars, nightclubs and performance venues in Indianapolis, and police are asking for the community’s help to stop this dangerous trend.
Passers-by can still see the faded sign of JD’s Pub, on the northwest side of town. The business remains closed after a fatal shooting earlier this month, one of several businesses now under the watchful eye of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
“Some things have to change and we’re going to hold people who break the rules accountable,” said Daniel Rosenberg, director of Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana.
Officials said recently that the WISP’s commercial crimes branch had witnessed too many violent and even fatal incidents at bars, nightclubs and performance venues.
“All of these clubs seem to be doing something they shouldn’t be doing or they have some sort of violation or something,” Rosenberg said.
According to police, violations can include serving alcohol after 3 a.m., serving underage people, over-serving customers, and operating without proper permits or licenses. Officers said they were aware these violations could escalate into an uncontrollable situation.
“A few fights turn into someone pulling out a gun and there’s more chaos and then we have someone who’s seriously injured or dead,” Rosenberg said.
Three out of four weekends in April, the city saw fatal shootings at an after-hours event.
IMPD officers said JD’s Pub did not comply with state and local licenses and should have even been opened.
“He just had this feeling that you didn’t want to bother in that area at night,” said Christopher Cody, an employee who works nearby.
Crime Stoppers officials also mentioned incidents that predated Taps and Dolls and Ebony and Ivory. A Department of Health notice was posted on the front door of Ebony and Ivory off East 38th Street earlier this year.
“The thinking is if it’s happening in a few different places and we’re starting to see a trend, it’s probably happening somewhere else,” Rosenberg said.
Crime Stoppers and WISP officials said they are asking the community to come forward and let them know if there is any place operating illegally before another violent incident occurs.
“It’s about getting everyone to play by the rules and working together to keep everyone safe,” Rosenberg said.
If you have information about problems at bars, nightclubs or event centers, police ask you to call Crime Stoppers at (317) 262-TIPS. As always, you can remain anonymous.
