Lincoln Police adding extra patrols to monitor any Memorial Day weekend cruises

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Lincoln Police Department is planning on beefing up patrols this Memorial Day weekend in hopes of preventing a tragedy like last year’s.

LPD said it’s reinforcing its commitment to protect the community after two women lost their lives when a car crashed during an unsanctioned cruise on O Street in 2022.

More than 20 others were injured.

The department said it will have active camera monitoring in impacted areas this weekend, extra officers on patrol and air support in the sky.

It will also be collaborating with several other law enforcement agencies, the Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Department and businesses to limit congestion.

On Wednesday, Channel 8 spoke with a local body shop owner who said there isn’t any cruises planned for this weekend.

But he said car enthusiasts are promoting safety.

“I really hope that if this unsanctioned cruise does happen, that people aren’t going to be, for lack of a better term, ‘morons,’ about it,” said Dan Cummings, the owner of Bombers Garage in Lincoln. “Nobody thinks you’re cool ’cause you’re going 80 in a 35. Nobody likes that. Nobody wants to see you blow up your tires and spin out in the middle of O Street.”

Lincoln Police are echoing that statement.

“Please use good judgement, obey the law and be in control of your actions to help keep everyone safe,” the department said on Twitter. “The goal is for the events to be safe and fun for pedestrians, spectators and vehicle traffic.”

If you see something unusual this weekend, you’re asked to call 911 or report the action to 402-441-6000.