Reports indicate that a surge in wild street racing and crime has turned a downtown Kansas City neighborhood in Missouri into a difficult environment for locals and small business owners.
The area, known for its nightlife, seems to be overrun by reckless road racers and ATV riders who commandeer intersections at night for thrilling stunts.
“This city has my family on 207 Southwest Boulevard, and it feels less safe than it has in the 45 years we’ve been here,” shared David Lopez, general manager of Manny’s Mexican Restaurant in downtown KC. “It’s not about race or politics—it’s about safety,” he added, noting that people might start leaving.
To protect their staff from joyriders, Lopez mentioned they have been sending waitresses, dishwashers, and others home early, around 8 p.m., which is typically a busy dinner time.
Other small business owners voiced frustration over the limited police presence that seems to embolden reckless driving on the streets. “It’s really unfortunate to see the police here, but the response to our issues is lacking,” remarked Bradley Gilmore, owner of Southern Cook House in Lula. He also noted that he had personally reached out to Mayor Quinton Lucas after seeking input from local businesses but, according to reports, received no response.
The Kansas City Police Department has announced plans to increase patrols at intersections and crack down on illegal street racing and other dangerous activities.
Recently, an officer was hospitalized with serious injuries after an ATV driver attacked him while he was trying to detain them. Police Chief Stacey Graves referred to the recovery of the officers involved as a “miracle.”
Kendall Coleman, a 27-year-old involved in the incident, was subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree assault among other offenses.
