TPD Sees Uptick In Dangerous Crime At 51st, Memorial; Local Businesses Frustrated

More Tulsa officers are patrolling the 51st and Memorial area because so many people are gathering in business parking lots after hours.

Officers recently arrested two people there for selling drugs.

Business owners said they're frustrated with the groups of people gathering in their parking lots on the weekends. Officers said it's not just kids, they've cited people from teenagers all the way up to 47 years old.

The 51st and Memorial area is usually known for street racing on Friday and Saturday nights, but in the past few months, Tulsa Police Officers have seen an uptick in dangerous crime. Tulsa Police Sgt. Joel Ward said officers have even been harassed for responding.

"It was getting to the point where we couldn’t even get police cars up in here to do enforcement,” said Tulsa Police Sgt. Joel Ward.

TPD said they issued eight citations for trespassing on Friday night. They also arrested Marcus Almader after they said they found marijuana and a loaded pistol in his car.

"Almost every parking lot that has a gathering of people will have someone trying to sell marijuana or drugs,” said Sgt. Ward.

Businesses like Humble Performance and Sonic have letters on file with the city, so TPD can enforce trespassing on their properties after hours.

Humble Performance Owner Alex Pagan said he's tired of people gathering in his lot and leaving trash behind for him to clean up.

"I've put multiple 55-gallon drums to dump the trash and you take three steps and there’s mountains of whatever - Sonic, McDonalds bags,” said Pagan.

Pagan said the city just re-paved the street outside his business and now it's covered in burnout marks. He now has a sign on his lot reminding people they can't gather there. Other businesses have installed metal barriers and chains to keep people out.

"The crowds just keep getting bigger and bigger and it’s just the disrespect for the property is getting out of control,” said Pagan.

TPD said business owners are responsible for their own properties, but if they want to get help with afterhours enforcement, they can put a letter on file with the city.

Businesses in the 51st and Memorial area that want to sign up for afterhours enforcement, should contact the Mingo Valley Division at (918) 586-6000.