Extra police called to disperse crowds, fights after Opening Day Cincinnati police reported several arrests following violent incidents that erupted Thursday night after the city’s Opening Day celebrations. The interim police chief, Adam Hennie, stated that additional officers were deployed to manage the large crowds gathering in areas such as The Banks and Over-the-Rhine. Upon arrival, law enforcement faced challenges as crowds resisted efforts to disperse, complicating their ability to reach individuals involved in the disturbances. Despite the resistance, officers managed to break up the gatherings with minimal use of force, according to Hennie. Further incidents occurred at Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine and on Fountain Square, where additional fights broke out. The police chief emphasized the difficulty of containing the situation amid the dense crowds, though no further details on the number of arrests or injuries were provided. The events highlighted the challenges authorities face in managing large public gatherings, particularly in areas known for their historical and cultural significance. No official statements regarding the cause of the conflicts or ongoing investigations were released.#cincinnati #adam_hennie #the_banks #over_the_rhine #washington_park
Cincinnati police: Multiple people arrested amid Opening Day 'disorder' CINCINNATI — Cincinnati police reported multiple arrests after large groups of people created "disorder and violence" during the Reds’ Opening Day festivities. The incidents occurred on Thursday, March 26, 2026, with officers and SWAT teams deployed to manage crowds at Great American Ball Park and surrounding areas. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as police and SWAT units began clearing The Banks area shortly after 9 p.m., directing people toward the city center. A loudspeaker announcement warned, "This is your official warning ... it is time to go home," prompting some individuals to disperse. Officers blocked the intersection of E. Freedom Way and Marian Spencer Way near the Yard House restaurant, instructing people to avoid crossing and to move around the area. Throughout the day, police were seen moving between different downtown locations, responding to multiple incidents. One officer reported that around 20 juveniles were engaged in a fight at Washington Park, while another described a large group of people running through The Banks during a Reds game. CPD interim chief Adam Hennie confirmed that officers received numerous calls about large crowds involved in disorder and violence. Hennie stated that police faced significant resistance while attempting to secure the areas, with reports of individuals using tasers or chemical irritants against others. He emphasized that the use of force by officers was "minimal" and that no officers were injured. However, he could not provide an exact number of arrests, citing ongoing investigations. FOP President Ken Kober described the situation as "absolute chaos," calling it "mass hysteria" that overshadowed what should have been a "fantastic day" for Cincinnati.#cincinnati_police #adam_hennie #ken_kober #great_american_ball_park #the_banks
