The RiverBeat goes on, amid crime concerns
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The new RiverBeat Music Festival officially opened its doors Friday afternoon. As many eagerly anticipate the music, others are concerned about possible crime.
Rain or shine, downtown Memphis and the Riverfront will be ground zero for music lovers as thousands attend the inaugural RiverBeat Music Festival at Tom Lee Park.
“This is an important month to the City of Memphis and we want to make sure our tourists and residents come downtown,” Interim Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis said.
Festival goers are coming to soak up the sounds, but with the crowds come concerns about crime and safety. City Council Chairman JB Smiley’s district includes parts of downtown.
“I do not think people should be in fear. I think it’s actually safer if we have more people out and more eyes on what’s taking place downtown,” Smiley said. “Go out. I plan on being out at some point in time this weekend.”
AR bank robbery suspect captured after chase into downtown Memphis
Friday morning, close to where the festival was gearing up, a bank robbery suspect who fled from West Memphis crashed and was caught by officers after a foot pursuit on Riverside Drive.
WREG investigated recent crimes downtown. We’ve uncovered a robbery on Front Street, multiple car break-ins including at the Sheraton Hotel, a car stolen near the train station, and a car reported stolen at Vance and Second.
“As it relates to parking, car break-ins and car thefts are up. We are still trending in the wrong direction because any car break-in is an inappropriate number,” Smiley said.
Police say to park only in legally designated areas where there is lighting and where there’s security.
“We will be leaning forward and ensuring that our community sees us and that we are there to make sure they stay safe,” Davis said.
RiverBeat Music Festival reveals artist lineup
City Councilman Jeff Warren says he believes police will be ready.
“I think the police are gearing up and they’re confident they are going to have the force there to keep people safe,” Warren said. “We are going to work diligently with Mayor Young and the City Council to give our police department and anyone else who’s involved the tools they need to provide the safety we deserve.”
Downtown will celebrate music but with an eye focused on safety.
“I also don’t want to be the one who says everything is bad. I do want to point to successes like driving down crime when we have big events like this,” Smiley said.
Organizers say they believe as many as 30,000 people will attend the RiverBeat Fest this weekend.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
