Birmingham police put extra cruisers, bike officers and foot patrols on downtown streets Friday, Aug. 14, in response to an Aug. 9 brawl involving 20 to 40 people near Willits and Bates streets.

The deployment is the first major action under Chief Ryan Kearney, who was sworn in at the city commission's Tuesday, Aug. 11 meeting. The department said residents and visitors should expect a visible difference as officers work to deter disorder, according to a statement posted to the department's social media accounts Thursday, Aug. 13.

The Birmingham Fire Department will also conduct periodic, unscheduled occupancy inspections at downtown bars and restaurants to ensure they are not exceeding capacity limits.

Both moves follow the fight outside Sidecar Slider Bar, which was captured on a smartphone and spread widely online. As we reported Thursday, city commissioners called for action at their Aug. 11 meeting after residents demanded a stronger police presence.

Investigation stalled

Police arrived at the scene in just over one minute but said they received very little cooperation from witnesses or those involved. Only one minor injury was reported. No one was arrested and no victims filed police reports.

Officers checked area surveillance cameras but could not identify anyone from the footage, Fox 2 Detroit reported. The department is actively reviewing additional cell phone video and asking anyone with information about the melee to come forward.

Business owners react

Suela Maklaj, general manager of Bell Bistro on Old Woodward Avenue, told WXYZ she welcomed the added patrols.

"Honestly, like I don't sometimes — I don't feel safe walking to the parking lot," Maklaj said.

Marko Juncaj, general manager of Terra Kitchen & Cocktails, said the recent fights have hurt businesses in the area and called the increased presence a positive step. His restaurant already enforces a zero-tolerance policy for disorderly behavior, he said.

Timing and context

The patrol surge also comes ahead of the Woodward Dream Cruise, which draws large crowds to the Old Woodward corridor each August. City Commissioner Brad Host said Aug. 10 that commission members should walk downtown between 10:30 and 11:30 p.m. on weekend nights to see conditions firsthand.

Anyone with information or cell phone video of the Aug. 9 incident can contact Captain Michael Simpson at (248) 530-1770.