IMPD provides reminders for those attending Indianapolis’ July 4th Celebration and celebrating in their neighborhoods

INDIANAPOLIS – Hundreds of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department police officers will have a very visible presence downtown and throughout our neighborhoods Wednesday to enhance the safety and enjoyment of those celebrating our nation’s birthday.

The police department reminds event goers to be mindful of their surroundings, and that if they see something suspicious or concerning, say something to a nearby officer or telephone 9-1-1. Citizens are also advised to treat their personal belongings as if they were in an airport and not leave them unattended. Unattended items are subject to disposal.

If you plan on attending the IPL Freedom Blast in Downtown Indianapolis on Wednesday, please visit http://www.downtownindy.org/events/5834/ipl-downtown-freedom-blast-/ for the latest information.

Street closures beginning at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday include the following:

• Delaware and Pennsylvania avenues (includes vehicle and pedestrian traffic).
• Ohio and New York streets (includes vehicle and pedestrian traffic).

Street closures beginning Wednesday at 4:00 p.m.:

• Michigan Street and Pennsylvania Avenue

Street closures beginning Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.

• Michigan and North streets will be closed between Pennsylvania and Meridian streets

Event attendees who plan to use I-65 on the north side of Indianapolis are reminded that it will be closed between Meridian St and 21^st St. Anyone planning to go north on I-65 will need to enter off of 21^st Street. Those planning to go south on I-65 may still enter at Delaware St and Washington St ramps.

Area residents are cautioned against stopping on the shoulders of the interstate system to watch the downtown fireworks display. Stopping/parking on the interstate is inherently dangerous. Our law enforcement partners will be on the lookout for such vehicles and motorists are subject to being ticketed. Vehicles left abandoned on the interstate will be towed.

After the fireworks display and once the “all clear” has been given, the police department will deploy a specific egress plan to move traffic out of the downtown area. Please be patient as officers work to get everyone on the road as quickly and safely as possible.

The IMPD reminds Hoosiers in Marion County – Fireworks use on and around 4th of July are as follows:

5 p.m. until two hours after sunset June 28 through July 3.
10 a.m. to midnight on July 4.
5 p.m. until two hours after sunset July 5 through July 9.

Violations could result in the issuance of citations and the confiscation of fireworks.

The IMPD would also like to remind residents and visitors that shooting guns into the air (even straight up), is strictly prohibited and could bring criminal charges. Once that shot is fired, there is no controlling where it may land.

The Men and Women of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department look forward to celebrating our country’s independence with our fellow Hoosiers!