Businesses respond to chaos at The Banks during Opening Day

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Businesses at The Banks have released a statement regarding the crowded chaos that unfolded during Opening Day.

No fights or disturbances occurred leading up to the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade or the first Cincinnati Reds game of the year, The Banks businesses said.

Closer to the first pitch and after the game is when things started to change, they said.

"In the evening when the disturbances that were happening elsewhere in the city started to surface at The Banks, we immediately cooperated with CPD in clearing the area and closing down our businesses," The Banks wrote in a statement.

Cincinnati police at The Banks began closing the pedestrian plaza and pushing the crowds out around 8 p.m. They also suspended street car operations, police radio traffic indicates.

Customers were asked to finish their drinks and then leave the area safely.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati police stood on the outside of the pedestrian walkway areas to ensure no more people came to the bars. They later put up crime scene tape.

"We thank the Cincinnati Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriff's Department, and the Ohio State Patrol for their help, and we will continue to work together to ensure The Banks is a safe place to have fun," the statement says.

According to Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie, 17 people were arrested and charged on opening day. The suspects ranged in ages, anywhere between 14 and 50 years old.