Bricktown Tonight

[venture]

Okay...this is probably the first time I ever thought - screw Bricktown.

Leaving Harkins after a movie tonight around 1:30 am...cops all over the place. Large groups of people, won't go into detail on make up, just walking around and running behind buildings and such. I had that feeling something was wrong so I just start directing my two friends to get over the bridge away from the groups and get down to the Canal in front of Sonic. As we were walking by, 3 people came hauling by screaming run and then two gun shots.

Aparently at least one guy shot up, according to a security guard outside Toby Keith's. We just ran to the car to get out of there as it was just not a place to be for three little guys. Hauled it down Reno and left Downtown in the rearview mirror.

All I can say...the desire to go to Bricktown is gone for now. If this is gang related, maybe its time this city actually does something about it. This family friendly venue is no place for activity like this and if certain events attract a certain group of people to them, shut the places down and keep those events out.

Time to go have a nice stiff drink and attempt to get some sleep.

[Midtowner]

Venture -- it was 1:30AM. They should actually have a mandatory shut down of all family oriented facilities a lot earlier than that.

That's life in the big city though

[bandnerd]

Movie theaters everywhere stay open past 12, Mid. Didn't we leave Quail Springs after LOTR at about 3am once?

The restaurants are usually closed at 10, anyway.

Maybe they should get some security to patrol those parking lots, especially the ones way in back under I-40.

Keept an eye out on the news and let us know what happened.

[GrandMaMa]

Okay...this is probably the first time I ever thought - screw Bricktown.

Leaving Harkins after a movie tonight around 1:30 am...cops all over the place. Large groups of people, won't go into detail on make up, just walking around and running behind buildings and such. I had that feeling something was wrong so I just start directing my two friends to get over the bridge away from the groups and get down to the Canal in front of Sonic. As we were walking by, 3 people came hauling by screaming run and then two gun shots.

Aparently at least one guy shot up, according to a security guard outside Toby Keith's. We just ran to the car to get out of there as it was just not a place to be for three little guys. Hauled it down Reno and left Downtown in the rearview mirror.

All I can say...the desire to go to Bricktown is gone for now. If this is gang related, maybe its time this city actually does something about it. This family friendly venue is no place for activity like this and if certain events attract a certain group of people to them, shut the places down and keep those events out.

Time to go have a nice stiff drink and attempt to get some sleep.

Are you suggesting that Toby Keith's should be closed down just because some jerks decided to take a stand in that vacinity? You would have to shut down every business, everywhere if that premise was the deciding factor. Keyword: 1:30am is not exactly the place to have 3 little ones when you know it is a vicinity where there is alcohol served and an opportunity for gangs to congregate. I personally would not call a location like that at 1:30am, a family venue. Things change when the clocks ticks past midnight, parents should be aware of that and respond accordingly. There are earlier showings there or other places that accommodate the younger crowd. Before you ask, yes, I am a mother and a grandmother, I have been there, and I know that it's up to the parent to foresee situations that might esculate. If you can't, there are lots of locations from which to rent appropriate movies for children. One more comment: I would think that Toby Keith's would not be the first location that would come to mind when considering who should be first on the list to close their doors for the reason that you mentioned.

[Patrick]

Maybe Toby Keith's needs to get some real cowboys in there to rope these folks.

[fromdust]

yeah i was just leaving skkybar when i saw it. you should have heard those people. " ah was it so in so? it was west side lets get everyone rounded up we'll take care of them later."
it was the sonic, ballpark area where it happend. luckily the police were there in minutes. they didnt catch the shooter so they brought out the helicopter. minutes later the cops all took off just east of the ballpark. then when we left we drove by downtown and it looked like something else had happend because there were more cops over there. very interesting night.

[fromdust]

oh yeah dont know how i forgot this one. someone else was shot in the head behind hooters. come on people dont walk in the ally ways.... or in front of the ballpark.

[venture]

From last night: http://www.newsok.com/article/2823125

Midtowner - I would expect this in a typical Midwestern "rust belt" town or a larger city, not OKC (well okay there is the NE side), but not Bricktown proper.

Bandnerd - They really do need more security in those back parking lots - or at least more lighting.

GrandMaMa - I think you misunderstood me. I was not talking about children, but the three of us are not very big. LOL You take three white guys that are 125, 145, and 150lbs...and mix it in with a bunch of larger people proudly wearing their gang colors - and its not really fun.

Patrick - Not a bad idea...at least they wouldn't have taken care of things. LOL

Fromdust - Yeah. The OKC PD flooded the area by Sonic as soon as the third shooting occured - the one we were by. Crazy. I don't really know where you can walk there at night that is really safe.

One thing that I am wondering, how will this go over if this would occur when those nice new condos go in? People spending 300K for their homes are really going to care for this activity.

[fsusurfer]

This has been a problem for the past few weeks. I live in Bricktown and last night was the worst I've ever seen it. Ever since the opening of a certain club in Bricktown things have gotten progressivly worse. My girlfriend and I walked home last night and either of us felt safe. If something isnt done, the atmosphere will deteriorate and people will stop going.. well the ones that arnt there to cause trouble at least, and those are the people the bars and clubs dont want to lose. (See Buckhead in Atlanta) I'm hoping the opening of the new police station will deter some of the activity that has been going on recently.

[bandnerd]

Which club is that, fusurfer? I only know a couple over there...not really a club person but this event makes me a little leery of going out dancing with the girls.

[fsusurfer]

Rhymes with Rice

[fsusurfer]

Are you suggesting that Toby Keith's should be closed down just because some jerks decided to take a stand in that vacinity?

I don't think he is saying Toby Keiths needs to be closed down, but another certain bar in the area does. If a bar is consistantly drawing a crowd that detracts from the area, and makes the general public feel unsafe, then yes that bar should be shut down.

[jbrown84]

I don't see why you can't just tell us which bar you're referring to. The hints aren't doing it for me.

[bandnerd]

Ice? Lice? Bo Bice?

[writerranger]

From the Oklahoman:
"Williams said gang units were called to investigate the shootings, but said police on Sunday did not think the shootings were related or involved gangs."

I have discussed this before, but until the police admit there is a gang problem developing in Bricktown, they will not get the support they need to put a stop to it.

This could also be yet another attempt by DA Wes Lane's office to pressure the police to not tell the truth. Election year, folks.

------------------------

[fsusurfer]

Spyce

[venture]

Gangs or not, they need to do something.

[GrandMaMa]

[QUOTE=venture79]From last night: http://www.newsok.com/article/2823125


GrandMaMa - I think you misunderstood me. I was not talking about children, but the three of us are not very big. LOL You take three white guys that are 125, 145, and 150lbs...and mix it in with a bunch of larger people proudly wearing their gang colors - and its not really fun. You're right, I did jump to the wrong conclusion..I revisited your original post and my...I took a GIANT step from what you said and ran with it, oops, sorry. You mentioned one thing that is the key to self preservation, you paid attention to what was going on around you. When you create and promote an entertainment district much like Bricktown, you will only attract locals, but tourists as well. You will not only attract the kind of folks that you invite over for Sunday dinnner, but everyone. I worked over 10 years driving a horse carriage, giving tours based out of the West End Historic District in Dallas, and I experienced first hand what a district such as Bricktown can become. One almost has to develop a 6th and 7th sense just to survive. Dallas took several steps to curb the gang activity, the public intoxication, the street people who were always there to take what wasn't nailed down and then have the nerve to ask you for a hammer to remove the nails on everything else (just kidding on that last remark). It seems as though a huge open display of officers on the street was the only effective action that they could take: Anywhere you looked, you could see either officers in cars, officers walking along with the crowd, officers on bicycles, officers on horses (this was quite effective at closing time when people didn't want to leave the streets) and officers in the places of businesses. Also, it became a standing rule that no "colors" were worn either in the places of business or in the district proper. If any officer saw hats, bandannas, etc and knew that's what it signified they would confiscate them and tie them on their antennas or handlebars of either their bikes or motorcycles, etc as a reminder and a warning. In answer to your question regarding the expensive condo owners? I don't know how Bricktown Condos are set up, but usually, an owner drives into a secured area even before they exit their car and are pretty much isolated from the street action, and noise.

[BDP]

Reminds me of OU/Texas in the West End, GMM. I think it's been cleaned up since I last hung out there, but I remember there being gun problems a few times.

I agree that a significant increase in police presence usually helps. Some do feel, though, that police on every corner give tourists the idea that it is unsafe. So there is a trade off, but if they can't get it under control, it doesn't matter what the tourists thingk, because there won't be any.

[SOONER8693]

This is what happened in KC about 25 to 30 years ago. An old warehouse district developed like Bricktown. Then mafia activity entered with killings, etc. People quit going to the area and that killed the whole area pretty quickly. I think the area was called the Wharf, or the Landing or something like that. Maybe someone can remember what it was.

[jdweaver]

One of the suspects was 17. There are a number of kids that are hanging around not going to any clubs or bars. Actually, I don't think besides the movies there is anyplace they can legitimately be after 12. I think they should be made to leave if they aren't there for a legitimate purpose. I walked back with my girlfriend and didn't feel safe either. This could really hurt the great momentum that this area has gained.

[fsusurfer]

Lets hope the violence was due to an increased crowd from the Regae Fest, but as I said over the last few weeks the atmosphere hasn't been good.

[okcboy]

This is not a specific club, area, or special event problem. This problem is a social issue and nationwide. Have confidence that this problem will be taken care of and lets not let the bad guys win. Please continue to support Bricktown and its merchants.

Here are a few articles of interest:

[URL="http://atlanta.about.com/cs/barsnightclubs/a/bheadshootings.htm"]

[URL="http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A13802"]

[URL="http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A81277"]

[URL="http://www.dallasobserver.com/Issues/2004-09-09/music/sceneheard.html"]

[fsusurfer]

This is not a specific club, area, or special event problem.

I have to say, I think certain clubs, areas and special events can attract crowds that are conducive to this type of activity. Blaming it on social problems across the country does nothing to actually stop the problem and does not explain entertainment districs that do not have this problem (believe it or not, there are some). I've lived in Bricktown the past 4 years, this problem has only come up over the last 2 months. If Bricktown businesses want to enjoy customers with money to spend who are not around to cause trouble, the owners are going to have to work together by, I'm sorry to say(not really), doing what they can to keep certain clubs and special events out of the area, or patrons (the ones with money and NOT around to cause trouble) will stop coming.

[okcboy]

I'm not making any excuses or pointing blame, but just stating there is a bigger problem here. I do agree with your comments. However, what would you suggest for a long term solution. By shutting down business' or events' because of a few bad guys is like putting a band aid on cancer. I just would like to see people
that have concerns or comments also have some solutions
or suggestions. Read some of those articles. They
have some same similarities here. I know we all do not want to be "Atlanta" or "Dallas", but thats where we are headed and need to do some planning. I consider OKC heaven on earth and I think everyone else
is slowly figuring this out as well.