ST. LOUIS (KMOV.com) — Social media videos circulating online show large crowds gathering outside on Washington Avenue early Sunday morning as bars were closing on the busy street in Downtown St. Louis.
Police are searching for the people seen dancing on a squad car. Video released by St. Louis police.
Social media videos circulating online show large crowds gathering outside on Washington Avenue early Sunday morning as bars were closing on the busy street in Downtown St. Louis.
According to 911 logs, there were calls for shots fired, officers in need of aid and disturbances on Washington Avenue between 15th and 18th street. A resident shared video with KMOV of numerous police cars responding to the incidents. Other social media videos show people dancing in the street and several standing and jumping on top of a St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department vehicle.
Police shared video and body camera footage of the incident, which they said started as they were called to disperse a large party from the rooftop of an apartment building. A city-wide officer in need of aid call was issued as an officer was inside the patrol car as the mob danced, kicked and stomped on top. St. Louis police released the video, asking for information on any of the suspects.
“It’s ridiculous and totally unacceptable behavior,” said Alderman Jack Coatar who represents the 7th Ward which includes parts of Downtown. “That crowd damaged city property and put officers at risk.”
Resident Arnold Stricker who also belongs to an organization called Citizens for a Greater Downtown St. Louis says this is just one example of problems on Washington Avenue.
Damage to the patrol car (Photo from SLMPD)
“I was a little shocked and disappointed that that would be going on. We want a vibrant recovery from the pandemic for all the businesses and the residents in the city and that wasn’t a great way to kick that off,” said Stricker.
He says solutions must happen in cooperation with police, residents, the new mayor’s office and the St. Louis Downtown CID.
Saturday night is not the first time there have been concerns on Washington Avenue. The city erected barricades up and down the street last summer to deal with cruising, speeding and dangerous activities. Some of those barricades in Downtown were removed ahead of this weekend due to large crowds expected with St. Louis Blues and Cardinals playing in town.
“We all need to work together, we’d like to have a better neighborhood, we’d like to have a vibrant neighborhood, but there need to be solutions. This has not been going on a short period of time, it’s been going on a long period of time and it’s been ignored and now we’re suffering some of the consequences,” said Stricker.
St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones released the following statement Monday:
Our office has reviewed the video of people jumping on our patrol cars this weekend. While I’m thankful SLMPD responded quickly and dispersed the crowd without conflict or injury, I’m disappointed in those people who will now have to face consequences for their behavior. Let me be clear: You can go out and have a good time without all this nonsense. If we are committed to building a stronger city, we need to show some courtesy and respect.
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