INDIANAPOLIS — A downtown bar that's seen hundreds of police calls since 2019 is now closed.
On Feb. 6, the bar's owner, Jason Stellema, filed an escrow request with the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. The request says operations at Tiki Bob's has ceased operations immediately and they intend to sell the alcohol permit "to an unrelated person at a different location."
The following day, Stellema posted on Facebook saying he refuses to be "the scapegoat for the violent crime plaguing the beautiful City of Indianapolis any longer."
"Our intent was to always run a fun diverse club and provide a safe atmosphere for civilized adults to escape from life for a bit," the post said. "Sadly I no longer have the desire to be deemed responsible for the abhorrent behavior of a minute segment of our society that has no respect for themselves or others. After serving over 100,000 customers per year we've found it only takes a handful of bad actors to destroy the reputation and vitality of a business."
WRTV has reached out to the owners for comment and more information and are waiting to hear back.
An IMPD spokesperson deferred questions about the business' plans and rationale for the decision to the business.
On Sunday, IMPD police reports show a shots fired incident at Tiki Bob's around 2 a.m.
In March 2022, Tiki Bob's was given a one-year renewal of its liquor license.
IMPD, the mayor's office, Downtown Indy and other downtown facilities urged the board to deny the license.
Police documents show between 2019 and 2021, IMPD responded to more than 1,000 calls at Tiki Bobs. That includes fights, rape, overdoses, and more.
RELATED: Crime Stoppers asks public to help them stop violence at bars, clubs, event halls | IMPD working overtime to keep downtown bars safe
-
IMPD officer injured in shooting on Indy's far east side
IMPD is investigating after an officer was shot on the far east side of Indianapolis on Friday evening.AI Hackathon hopes to encourage kids to go into the tech field
At the hackathon, local high school students leaned skill that could lead them to career in advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and data science.Police: Man was driving nearly 100 mph before crashing into SUV full of kids
More serious charges were filed for a driver, who police say sped through a red light and smashed into an SUV carrying several children.Braun unveils plan to lower Indiana property taxes if elected governor
Mike Braun wants to lead Indiana as its next governor. He is now promising to make changes to the state's property tax structure if he is elected.