Louisville, Ky. — What began as a weekend celebration in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood escalated early Sunday morning when hundreds of people flooded Bardstown Road, blocking traffic and prompting a police response.
Around 3 a.m., shortly after bars closed for the night, an estimated crowd of nearly 400 people gathered near the intersection of Grinstead Drive and Bardstown Road. Cellphone videos captured the crowd spilling into the street, dancing provocatively on vehicles, and halting traffic.
Ti’ant Wyatt, who had been celebrating at the Highlands Tap Room, described the atmosphere as contagious. “As we came outside, the vibes were just in the street,” he said. “Where it takes you is where it takes you, right?”
Many in the crowd were marking college graduations and the long Memorial Day weekend. However, some longtime residents found the scene overwhelming.
Andrew Garrett, who has lived just a block from Bardstown Road for seven years, said the noise from weekend revelers has steadily increased. “You’ve got the weekend volume, you can clearly hear it in your house,” Garrett said. “But this was another level.” He also shared that his vehicle has suffered multiple hit-and-run damages caused by late-night bar patrons leaving the area. “I’ve had my truck hit three times — hit-and-runs. It’s just people leaving the bars around 3 in the morning.”
The Louisville Metro Police Department’s Fifth Division responded quickly, with assistance from additional units. Officers dispersed the crowd within approximately 15 minutes, and no arrests were reported.
Metro Councilman Ben Reno-Weber, who represents the Highlands area, condemned the disruptive behavior, calling it “totally unacceptable.” He criticized the blocking of traffic and the disturbance to residents trying to sleep. “We will not tolerate people or institutions who encourage this kind of dangerous and disruptive behavior,” Reno-Weber said. He praised the swift police response and noted that an increased police presence the following night helped prevent a repeat incident.
The Bardstown Road intersection has been a flashpoint in recent weeks; just one month ago, a man was fatally shot there during early Sunday morning hours.
Concerns over rising crime and noise have sparked ongoing debate among residents and city leaders regarding how late bars should remain open in the Highlands.
“It’s a lot of bars and it’s a popular area, so you’ve got to expect some of it,” Garrett said. “It’s just about keeping it from getting too out of control.”
The Louisville Metro Police Department anticipates that similar incidents may increase as the summer season progresses.
