Lexington Bolsters Downtown Security After Midday Assault
Credit: VisitLEX
LEXINGTON, K.Y. - On Wednesday, August 13, around 12:40 p.m., Lexington Police responded to reports of an assault at the intersection of Short Street and North Upper Street in the downtown district. The attack has prompted city officials to announce new security measures for the downtown area.
According to officials, 39-year-old Ronald Witham allegedly attacked a woman in broad daylight, leaving her with non-life-threatening injuries that required hospital treatment. When officers arrived, Witham resisted arrest, resulting in an additional charge of third-degree assault on a police officer.
Leveraging support from the Real-Time Intelligence Center and the department’s Air Support Unit, police quickly tracked and apprehended the suspect near the scene.
Comprehensive Security Measures Implemented
The very next day, Mayor Linda Gorton announced a suite of enhanced security measures designed to deter future incidents and restore public confidence:
24/7 Police Patrols at the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza and the soon‑to‑reopen Phoenix Park.
Nighttime Private Security deployed in Tandy Park between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. each night.
Joint Operations between Lexington Police and the Street Outreach Team, with outreach efforts refocused on the downtown core to facilitate both safety and social intervention.
Strategic Planning for additional security cameras and possible expansion of outreach teams to further safeguard the area.
Mayor Gorton stressed the importance of balancing compassion with public safety, stating, “This is a compassionate city… We must also be a safe city. We cannot tolerate criminal activity.”
Tandy Park / Credit: VisitLEX
Perspective for Private Security Professionals
For those in the private security industry, Lexington’s response offers several important lessons. The city’s decision to layer police patrols with private security coverage demonstrates how a hybrid model can maximize safety while keeping costs manageable. By assigning private security to patrol parks during the vulnerable late-night hours, Lexington is reserving sworn officers for higher-priority enforcement while still maintaining a visible deterrent presence.
Equally significant is the city’s collaboration with outreach teams, showing how security operations can be paired with social support to reduce recurring issues without relying solely on enforcement. By integrating outreach workers into the broader downtown safety plan, Lexington is addressing a reality that security professionals often encounter: many disturbances in public spaces stem not just from criminal intent but from underlying issues such as homelessness, addiction, or mental health challenges.
For private security professionals, this highlights the growing importance of multi-disciplinary collaboration in urban environments. Rather than viewing outreach teams as separate from security operations, they can be seen as force multipliers — reducing strain on security and police, improving community relations, and helping to create long-term stability in areas prone to recurring disorder. This blended approach positions security not simply as a reactive presence, but as a proactive partner in shaping safer, more sustainable public spaces.
Finally, the push for expanded surveillance infrastructure highlights the value of proactive planning, ensuring that future incidents can be detected and responded to quickly. Together, these measures reflect a layered, balanced approach to urban safety that private security professionals can adapt to their own operations.
Final Note
Lexington’s response to the Short Street assault illustrates how cities can integrate public law enforcement, private security, and community outreach into a comprehensive safety strategy. By combining around-the-clock patrols with targeted late-night private security deployments, city leaders are demonstrating the effectiveness of layered security models in protecting public spaces.
The emphasis on outreach shows a willingness to address the human factors that often underlie urban safety challenges, while investments in surveillance and real-time intelligence signal a forward-thinking approach to incident prevention and response. For private security professionals, the Lexington case highlights the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and proactive planning in building safer communities. It is a reminder that effective security does not come from one layer alone, but from the seamless integration of people, technology, and partnerships.