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
-
Wawa to celebrate three grand openings in Indiana this May
Wawa, Inc. is excited to announce the grand opening of three new locations in Indiana this May. The company plans to open up to ten stores across Indiana this year.
Potential tariffs impacting car sales, is renting cheap
It's the usual time people start buying cars for the warmer season, but experts say some of the increased sales are due to potential tariffs that would increase the price of a car by 25 percent.
IMSA North senior collects nearly $1 million in college scholarship offers
A graduating senior from Indiana Math and Science Academy North, has been awarded nearly $1 million in scholarship offers from 15 colleges and universities nationwide.
Arrest reported by Alexander family as investigation continues into fatal crash
The family of Mason Alexander has reported that an arrest has been made in connection with the crash that claimed the life of the young football player.
