Lexington mayor orders increased downtown security after assault

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Mayor Linda Gorton has announced new security measures for downtown Lexington following an incident Wednesday in which a woman was assaulted.

In an email Thursday, Gorton said the suspect in that case — who was arrested yesterday — has had multiple prior interactions with the criminal justice system as well as agencies that provide services to the unhoused.

Police say 39-year-old Ronald Witham was arrested and charged with second-degree assault and third-degree assault of a police officer. He is being held at the Fayette County Detention Center.

Source: Fayette County Detention Center

“This is a compassionate city. We prove that every day through the programs we provide for people in our community who need help,” Gorton said. “We must also be a safe city. We cannot tolerate criminal activity.”

According to the mayor’s statement, the city will take the following steps:

• Increase police presence downtown.

• Expand private security coverage at the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza and in the soon-to-reopen Phoenix Park to 24/7.

• Hire private security for Tandy Park between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. nightly.

• Have Lexington Police conduct joint operations with the Street Outreach Team, which will now focus on the downtown core to assist with relocation and other services to discourage congregation.

• Issue a Request for Proposals to create a second Street Outreach Team.

• Research the cost of adding more security cameras downtown.

Gorton says anyone who feels unsafe should call 911.