Columbus police to continue expanded Short North safety measures over Memorial Day weekend
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Columbus Division of Police will continue the recently expanded safety measures in the Short North area throughout Memorial Day weekend.
Last weekend, following the implementation of "Operations Burnout," the Short North area was free of the gun violence that had been affecting the area over the past few weeks.
“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,” Mayor Andrew J. Ginther said in a statement.
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.”
"Operation Burnout" includes 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
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“We are grateful for the diligent work of our officers and the support of the community in this effort,” Chief Elaine Bryant said in a statement. “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.”
City officials are asking parents and guardians to enforce the city's curfew law in their own homes so CPD doesn't have to. City code states that anyone between the ages of 13-17 must be off the streets from midnight to 4:30 a.m.
Ginther's executive order that prohibits mobile food vendors from operating after midnight in the Short North is still in effect.
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Bars and restaurants in the Short North Arts District are asked to voluntarily close at midnight.
Parking restrictions in the area will continue to be restricted from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m.
