Barricades go up in downtown Findlay

FINDLAY — The anticipated return of the downtown cruise in Findlay, just one month after organizers agreed to cancel future events due to safety concerns, may include another type of vehicle today — the paddy wagon. On Friday, the city of Findlay barricaded the 100 and 200 blocks of North Main Street to prevent participants and onlookers from congregating on the blocks. A notice issued by the Findlay Police Department on Friday stated that both blocks, along with green space and area parking lots, will be closed to all parking today, between 4 p.m. and midnight. On June 15, Blu Goose Motorsports posted that the monthly cruises have been cancelled, following a rowdy event just a day prior. The group had been organizing the cruises for five years. Blu Goose Motorsports wrote, "We have had numerous meetings with the city to try and find ways to keep this going and not have people getting into trouble. ... We asked to try and police ourselves in the car community and people didn't listen or cooperate. "I'm sure we will find a better way to help promote cruises and car shows, but for now, we are no longer affiliated with the downtown cruise. Thanks for understanding." The page has 1,300 followers. However, supporters of the downtown cruise continue to organize via other social media platforms. In June, Findlay Police Chief James Mathias said there was good collaboration between the city and Blu Goose Motorsports, but the event puts both pedestrians and vehicle traffic at risk. "We have seen peeling/rapid acceleration, excessive speeds, drag racing, excessive noise and excessive exhaust and smoke, and other miscellaneous violations," said Mathias. Street takeovers, stunt driving and street racing are now treated as first-degree misdemeanors in Ohio, with enhanced penalties for those who participate or assist in these activities, he said. "Fleeing from police during a takeover can even be a felony offense. These new laws aim to curb dangerous and illegal activities on public roadways and private property open to the public," said Mathias. "The law specifically addresses activities like burnouts, doughnuts, drifting, and wheelies, which are considered stunt driving." He said police have observed these violations both on public roadways and private property. "We don't need this type of activity on our public roadways or private property open to vehicular traffic, especially in our downtown area," he said. "Findlay citizens deserve much better, and it is time for this activity to stop by deterring dangerous behavior and promoting road safety." "Our officers will hold those persons responsible and accountable for their actions if this type of activity continues while we do our best in public safety," he said. "We want to prevent anyone from getting injured or worse. We ask the public to take reasonable care to adhere to all traffic laws and drive safely."