INDIANAPOLIS — Residents say there is a problem in Broad Ripple.
"We've got some public safety concerns here in Broad Ripple starting with drivers racing and cruising behavior here on the avenue and on the interior neighborhoods and then barrages of gun shots happening, late-night early-morning," Colleen Fanning said.
Fanning is the executive director of the Broad Ripple Village Association. She says most nights around midnight, the Broad Ripple area turns into a drag strip for dozens of cars and motorcycles, racing at a high rate of speed.
"Cameron, I personally witnessed one that had to be 50 motorcycles. They're actually blocking traffic so that essentially a motorcade can zip through the neighborhood at very fast speeds, which is incredibly dangerous when its so dark outside," Fanning said.
Fanning says her organization has started working with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department to step up with law enforcement tactics before someone gets hurt.
"Whether that means speed traps, sobriety checks, DPW putting out some speed tables, we're really working with the city to combat this and keep everyone safe," Fanning said.
But IMPD is not the only city-county agency Broad Ripple residents want to see more from. Neighbors are also calling on the health department as well as some business owners to better enforce social distancing guidelines followings multiple nights a week when cars and people pack Broad Ripple avenue for hours in the midst a pandemic.
Between the gun shots, drag racing, and possible pandemic issues, neighbors in Broad Ripple are hoping to put an end to what appears to be reckless behavior.
"That's a great way to describe it and we want to make sure the recklessness doesn't turn into violence," Fanning said.
WRTV checked with IMPD to learn more about its plans to work with the Broad Ripple Village Association. The department says: "IMPD North District maintains an excellent working relationship with the BRVA. This partnership has led to double-digit declines in homicides, aggravated assaults, burglaries, and other property crimes in the area. We will continue conversations focused on current issues related to speeding, reckless driving, and other public safety concerns."
"We ask the community for their help in deterring reckless driving and making our city safer. Make good decisions and share the roads responsibly. Together we will ensure Broad Ripple remains a safe place to live, work, and play.”
