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. People fell over, dropping their outdoor drink cups and losing phones and eyeglasses. The crowd yelled out as people asked aloud what was going on and where they were expected to go.
The crowd moved slowly with many unresponsive to officers as they advanced. They settled about a third of the way into The Banks on both sides before coming to a pause and holding the line.
