Large crowds form along streets near downtown Louisville

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Metro Police told WAVE 3 crowds celebrating the University of Louisville's win in the NCAA Elite Eight, were forming along West Broadway in Louisville.

Sergeant James Cirillo, with the Louisville Metro Police Department said one of their officers were on patrol when they saw a large crowd that kept growing.

Cirillo said earlier Saturday evening, after UofL's win, cars were driving down Broadway and had stopped in the middle of the road.

WAVE 3 saw people hanging out of the windows of cars, dancing in the streets, feverishly honking their horns and shouting on the sidewalks.

The area in question, according to Sergeant Cirillo, was on Broadway between 26th and 28th Streets. That area was shut down for a time as crowds formed and slowly dispersed. Some 200-300 people were gathered on the sidewalks in the area. About 35 police officers were on scene. Some were on horseback, other officers were even carrying  non-lethal guns just in case the crowd needed to be disbursed. Sgt. Cirillo said there were even reports of officers having bottles thrown at them.

"We haven't had any problems with disorderly or violence or anything like that. Just people out here celebrating at the moment. We have this many officers out here just to make sure no pedestrians are hit by cars," said Sgt. Cirillo. "I haven't seen anything like this in years."

WAVE 3 spoke to several people who were out celebrating with the large crowd.

"Right now, it's like derby to us. This is like Derby. We are clowning. We are out supporting our team, our city, our hometown. We got our back. Final Four all the way," said Laneisha Wiley, of Louisville.

Brittney Nunley, of Louisville, was also one of the many people in the crowds.

"I'm hearing the city. It's live. I mean, Louisville just made it to the final four. You know, we beat the gators. They was a pretty good team. The city's just ready tonight," she said Saturday evening.

Though some people, including Darin Cain, of Louisville, were not happy with the heavy police presence.

"They can be here and watch and make sure nothing happens, but to have horses and guys walking around with guns and stuff is too much in my opinion. And I'm a fair person," said Cain.

MetroSafe told WAVE 3 they did not know of any arrests Saturday evening.

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