UK and Lexington Officials Describe Consequences of Criminal Behavior Tonight

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 2, 2012) — In advance of tonight’s NCAA championship game, Lexington public safety and University of Kentucky representatives issued a stern warning to those planning to celebrate: “criminal behavior and out of control celebrations will not be tolerated.”

Chief Ronnie Bastin emphasized that most of the fans celebrating on Saturday night were happy, peaceful and law abiding, specifically citing the celebrations along South Limestone Street and near the intersection of Woodland and Euclid avenues.

“The most difficult challenges came from those in the State Street area,” Bastin said. “The behavior of many of those people - not all, but many - was dangerous, criminal and unacceptable. This behavior cannot be tolerated, and will not be tolerated.”

Mayor Jim Gray called upon those who want to celebrate to respect the city and the neighborhoods surrounding campus. “We want everyone, including the neighbors who live near campus, to have a great time tonight. Be safe and follow the law”, Gray said.

Bastin’s remarks came at a news conference today held to discuss public safety plans for tonight’s game. Bastin was joined by University Police Chief Joe Monroe, UK Dean of Students Victor Hazard, Major Mark Blankenship representing the Division of Fire and Emergency Services and Fayette County Sheriff Kathy Witt.

Monroe said, “I am pleased that the majority of the celebrations after Saturday night’s win were peaceful and orderly, however, the behavior of students and non-students in the State Street vicinity was unacceptable and will not be tolerated. In preparation for tonight, we have reviewed our safety plans from Saturday night and have adjusted those accordingly in conjunction with our Lexington public safety partners.”

On Saturday, more than 30 were arrested in neighborhoods near UK for offenses including arson, alcohol intoxication, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. Police anticipate more arrests will follow as investigators review photographs and videos from the scene.     

Police anticipate more arrests will follow as investigators review photographs and videos from the scene. “We are going to look at as many videos and photos we can get our hands on, we will find the people responsible and we will make arrests”, said Kelli Edwards, NCAA Police Incident Commander. Edwards said those planning to join tonight’s celebrations would be wise to learn from the mistakes of others.

Arrests are not the only punishment awaiting University of Kentucky students who engage in arson and other criminal behaviors. Dean of Students Victor Hazard reminded students of the school’s zero tolerance policy. “The University expects its students to celebrate athletic victories in a controlled, safe and respectful manner. Some of the behavior this weekend did not meet the University’s or community’s standards,” Hazard said. “Students are reminded that inappropriate action can impact their academic career and profession for years to come. Students found to be in violation of local, state, and federal law could also be charged with violations of the Code of Student Conduct. The Dean of Students Office will be working in concert with city and UK Police to manage and address inappropriate behavior.”

The investigations into criminal behavior will not end Monday night, Bastin said. Police will be aggressively following leads, especially those stemming from photos and videos of suspects engaging in criminal behavior. Police are enlisting the help of citizens to identify suspects in photos and videos. Click here for a PowerPoint of photos.  UK Police Chief Monroe encourages people to contact UK Police via the anonymous tip on their website or Crime Stoppers or identify through www.IDThisperson.com, where rewards are offered to citizens who offer tips that lead to arrests.

After Saturday’s celebration, city officials are making minor changes to their enforcement plan, most related to the traffic flow, road closures and no parking zones. For tonight, no parking zones have been designated in the 300 block of Limestone, areas of Woodland and Euclid avenues and of State Street. These areas will also experience temporary road closures following the NCAA Championship game. (Please see the following enforcement plan - with minor amendments - for Monday evening.)

Traffic

•           Police urge motorists to use extra patience on the road.

•           No parking zones have been designated in the 300 block of Limestone, areas of Woodland and Euclid and areas of State Street.

•           Motorists should avoid the UK campus area and the downtown area immediately following the games (especially South Limestone Street, Euclid Avenue and State Street.)

•           Several no parking and towing areas will be designated by signs. These areas include sections of South Limestone Street, and Woodland and Euclid avenues.

Overall Enforcement

•           Extra police officers from UK, the city and the Fayette County Sheriff’s office will be on duty in and around the downtown area and neighborhoods, surrounding campus on foot, in cars and on bicycles.

•           Citizens are asked to keep streets clear, and allow emergency response vehicles passage at all times.

•           Celebration is acceptable, but tipping cars, setting fires, destroying property and throwing projectiles will not be tolerated and will result in arrest.

Medical Emergencies

•           Fire and Emergency Services will be operating an emergency triage center at Fire Station 5 on Woodland Avenue tonight. Persons with medical emergencies can report to that area during the NCAA games and several hours following, for emergency medical treatment.

 Meanwhile, University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto issued the following message via email to students, facutly and staff at the university today:

"The excitement over Saturday’s victory against the Cardinals was quickly dampened by the irresponsible and destructive behavior of some UK students and community members. The illegal and dangerous actions of a small minority detracted from honoring the student-athletes who have worked tirelessly to represent UK at a national level.

Celebration of our team’s achievement is important. But when our actions endanger the lives of students, neighbors, law enforcement, and safety officials, we’ve crossed a critical line. Illegal behavior that jeopardizes the safety and well-being of others will not be tolerated, and those who cross that line will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law and, where applicable, The Code of Student Conduct.

We have the opportunity to make history by winning our eighth national championship. Moreover, we have the chance to change the poor perception created by the civil unrest Saturday night and show the world that we are a leading Flagship and Land Grant Research University.

I implore you to be safe, be respectful, and don’t be stupid."

MEDIA CONTACT:  Jay Blanton, jay.blanton@uky.edu; (859) 699-0041

                                 or Kathy Johnson, kathy.johnson@uky.edul; (859) 559-5396