Police say Court Avenue crime is getting more severe
Des Moines police are investigating several weekend crimes on Court Avenue.
In 48 hours, there were two stabbings, a shooting and a car chase — all stemming from fights in the Court Avenue district.
The city and police are looking for ways to make the area safer.
"The frequency of the violence in the form of a fight or dispute is much lower than it was in years past, but the level of violence when it occurs is much greater. People are bringing guns and bringing knives — and they're not hesitating to use those," Sgt. Paul Parizek with the Des Moines Police Department said.
Parizek said the police department sees familiar names in these kinds of crimes, saying those who are looking for trouble will find it.
But he said Court Avenue is still a safe place for people to enjoy a night out.
Just across the river, the East Village isn't seeing the same kind of trouble.
"It might be that there's not the density that there is in the East Village that there is in Court Center. Those bars aren't stacked right on top of each other, but there are successful businesses over there that seem to get through the night without police all night long," Sgt. Parizek said.
Court Avenue is in city councilman Josh Mandelbaum's ward.
Mandelbaum said earlier this summer, the city and other groups partnered with Responsible Hospitality Institute. They have been on Court Avenue throughout the summer analyzing trends and talking with businesses and residents.
"They do this work in entertainment districts all around the country and to come up with best practices that we can implement on the public safety side," Mandelbaum said.
Mandelbaum said Responsible Hospitality Institute is gathering research right now. When they're done, they'll come forward with a plan to not only help with safety but also help the businesses and even infrastructure.