Indianapolis Closing Broad Ripple Avenue On Weekends

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis officials will close Broad Ripple Avenue to motor vehicles on Friday and Saturday nights in an effort to reduce violence there.

Indianapolis police Lt. Chris Bailey says the midnight-4 a.m. closure of the street from College to Guilford avenues could begin as soon as this weekend. Seven people were injured by gunfire there early on July 5.

Only emergency vehicles and taxis would be allowed past blockades on the street. Officials say pedestrians won't be allowed to stand on the roadway, only to cross it.

Broad Ripple Village Association President Justin McKeand says the new policy should reduce the number of drivers who cruise the avenue. He says drivers sometimes park their cars simply to talk with people outside bars without going inside.

Photo: Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers prepare to clear an area after multiple gunshots were heard by an officer early Saturday, July 5, 2014, in Broad Ripple. Seven people were injured by the gunfire. (AP Photo/Mark Dickhaus)