CPD Reminds Community of Short North Safety Measures Heading into Holiday Weekend
The Columbus Division of Police will continue expanded
safety measures in the Short North Arts District this Memorial Day weekend.
Following the successful implementation of “Operation Burnout” last week, the
neighborhood was free of the gun violence it saw the two previous weekends.
“I am grateful to Chief Bryant and our officers for going
above and beyond to strengthen safety and security in the Short North and neighborhoods
across the city,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “We will not tolerate illegal,
reckless behavior in the City of Columbus – period. We will continue to follow
the data and focus our efforts on those areas and activities that are of most
pressing concern, and work with all our partners throughout the community to
ensure the greatest impact.”
Enforcement efforts will include “Operation Burnout,”
targeting the reckless operation of motor vehicles, the “take-overs” of city
streets, businesses, and private properties, as well as the associated criminal
activities throughout the city.
This operation will again include strict enforcement
against illegal, unruly behaviors including:
- Disorderly conduct
- Inducing panic
- Obstructing a City Right of Way
- Community Noise
- Street Racing
- Unnecessary squealing of tires
- Underage drinking and violation of open
container laws
Last weekend “Operation Burnout” resulted in:
- 224 Traffic Citations
- 31 Misdemeanor Summons
- 1 Juvenile Arrest
- 4 Misdemeanor Arrests
- 7 Felony Arrest
- 8 Arrest on Warrants
- 7 Firearms Recovered
- 4 Incidents of Drugs Seized
- 297 Parking Citations
- 107 Impounds
“We are grateful for the diligent work of our officers and
the support of the community in this effort,” said Chief Elaine Bryant. “We
want to keep the momentum going into the summer, and ask for the continued
partnership of the public to ensure a safe, fun weekend for all.”
The highest levels of violence and other criminal activity
have consistently taken place between the hours of 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. and
coincide with peak periods of pedestrian congregation and congestion, which is
why the city is taking a targeted approach to ending it.
Parents and guardians are asked to enforce the city’s
curfew law in their own households, so CPD doesn’t have to. Per city code,
anyone between the ages of 13-17 must be off the streets from midnight to 4:30
a.m.
Parking restrictions will continue, with no street parking
along High Street between Goodale and Fifth Avenue from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m.
Per the Executive Order signed by Mayor Ginther and
codified by Columbus City Council, mobile food vendors are prohibited from
operating after midnight within the Short North congestion zone.
Bars and restaurants are asked to voluntarily
close at midnight.