Rowdy Cincinnati Reds Fans Charge At Police As Opening Day Celebrations Spiral Out Of Control

Police leaders said the department had planned ahead for safety. They used drones, bike teams, and a real-time crime center to track activity. Still, the crowds overwhelmed several areas.

Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie said officers faced resistance as they tried to respond. “We had multiple calls of large crowds … where there was quite a bit of disorder and violence,” Hennie said. He added that some people used tasers or chemical sprays during the chaos.

Officers reported several fights, including one involving about 20 juveniles in Washington Park. In another moment, a large group ran through The Banks during the game. WLWT crews saw officers rushing between locations throughout the day.

Police called in extra help as the situation grew. Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police President Ken Kober said SWAT and critical response teams joined efforts to control crowds. “Just mass hysteria, chaos,” Kober said. “What should have been a fantastic day … is completely overshadowed by juveniles that are just causing chaos.”

Videos showed crowds surrounding officers in the evening. Radio traffic captured the strain on police. “We need some crowd control over here, before we have other fights breaking out,” one officer said. Another asked for a drone team to record activity near Findlay and Elm streets.

Police made multiple arrests, though officials did not confirm a total number. Hennie said officers used minimal force and reported no injuries among the police.

By early morning, officers regained control and reopened blocked areas. A police sergeant said large crowds like this often follow big events, though the level of disorder raised concerns.