INDIANAPOLIS — A downtown bar that's seen hundreds of police calls since 2019 is now closed.
On Feb. 6, the bar's owner, Jason Stellema, filed an escrow request with the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. The request says operations at Tiki Bob's has ceased operations immediately and they intend to sell the alcohol permit "to an unrelated person at a different location."
The following day, Stellema posted on Facebook saying he refuses to be "the scapegoat for the violent crime plaguing the beautiful City of Indianapolis any longer."
"Our intent was to always run a fun diverse club and provide a safe atmosphere for civilized adults to escape from life for a bit," the post said. "Sadly I no longer have the desire to be deemed responsible for the abhorrent behavior of a minute segment of our society that has no respect for themselves or others. After serving over 100,000 customers per year we've found it only takes a handful of bad actors to destroy the reputation and vitality of a business."
WRTV has reached out to the owners for comment and more information and are waiting to hear back.
An IMPD spokesperson deferred questions about the business' plans and rationale for the decision to the business.
On Sunday, IMPD police reports show a shots fired incident at Tiki Bob's around 2 a.m.
In March 2022, Tiki Bob's was given a one-year renewal of its liquor license.
IMPD, the mayor's office, Downtown Indy and other downtown facilities urged the board to deny the license.
Police documents show between 2019 and 2021, IMPD responded to more than 1,000 calls at Tiki Bobs. That includes fights, rape, overdoses, and more.
RELATED: Crime Stoppers asks public to help them stop violence at bars, clubs, event halls | IMPD working overtime to keep downtown bars safe
-
Current and future first responders train at Emergency Services Education Center
The center equips current and future firefighters with the skills, confidence and leadership they need to save lives.
County-by-county: Saturday snowfall potential across Central Indiana
Another round of snow moves across Central Indiana again Saturday. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect 11am to midnight.
Indiana in national spotlight after redistricting fails in Senate
Indiana is in the national spotlight after lawmakers rejected a proposal backed by the president and GOP leaders to redraw congressional district maps mid-session.
Preparing for extreme cold across Central Indiana
While snow grabs a lot of attention, the cold temperatures will bring another set of potential impacts to your weekend.
