Multiple arrests following 'disorder and violence' at Reds Opening Day
The Banks was shut down and multiple arrests were made across Cincinnati's urban core after police received reports of unruly crowds.
Dozens of Cincinnati police officers armed with riot shields, nonlethal shotguns and pepper spray shut down The Banks late Thursday evening after police said large crowds became disorderly following the Reds Opening Day game. At about 8 p. m.
March 26, an Enquirer reporter at the scene observed officers lined shoulder to shoulder at both ends of The Banks along Freedom Way. Downtown Capt. David Schofield ordered officers to advance and split the crowd, clearing the entertainment district.
As officers moved forward, they encountered resistance. Some officers used wrist ties to detain individuals as the crowd was pushed apart. At 8:25 p.
m. , police began issuing commands over a megaphone, repeatedly announcing: “The Banks is now closed. ” Bars closed their patrons in and security ushered those on patios to leave as police advanced.