Rowdy Light Up Night Could Prompt Changes

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It's supposed to be a celebration of the holiday season and a showcase for downtown, but Light Up Night lost its luster in a string of violent incidents.

Many of the problems happened near the Wood Street T station after a shooting a block or two away.

People rushed to the T station to get out of the city. Unfortunately, according to investigators, there were not enough buses to take everyone at once and more fights broke out.

Sources indicate the plan may be to try to move the bus stop or spread the stops out across the outskirts of the city to break up the possible crowds.

Sources indicate there were roughly 100 Pittsburgh police officers downtown when the first shooting call went out. There will be a discussion about using more police for the First Night celebration coming up in a month or so.

KDKA Investigator Marty Griffin spoke with Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. He said he was downtown all night Friday, was aware of the incident and was involved in discussions regarding the response.

The mayor said he was pleased with how Saturday night turned out and is hopeful future events will be trouble-free and promises to make whatever changes may be necessary to ensure a safe downtown.