Kentucky

Derby Weekend To End Says Mayor

Cruising on Derby weekend, which has been marked by increasing violence and lawlessness, will not be allowed to continue, Mayor Jerry Abramson announced. Metro Police Chief Robert White says the 2005 cruising event led to sixty-four misdemeanor and eighteen felony arrests, fourty weapons seized, two rapes and two people murdered.

Derby cruising has caused gridlock along West Broadway and has turned residential neighborhoods in the West End into a dangerous raucous, open-air party where violence, drugs, alcohol and guns were commonplace. The police department plan for West Louisville neighborhoods includes enforcing city ordinances and state laws regarding disorderly behavior, loitering, drinking in public and noise ordinances.