Lexington will boost security downtown after Wednesday assault, mayor says
Mayor Linda Gorton said she is increasing police presence in downtown Lexington, expanding hours of private security firms and looking at putting more cameras downtown after a woman was assaulted.
The woman was assaulted on Wednesday afternoon, and the suspect was arrested Thursday, city officials said.
The suspect, who was not yet identified Thursday evening, has had previous interactions with law enforcement and with people who work with the city’s unhoused population, city officials said Thursday.
No further details about the incident were immediately available.
“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.”
In addition to expanding police presence, Gorton said the city will expand hours for private security already at Robert F. Stephens Courthouse and the soon-to-be reopened Phoenix Park on Main and Limestone streets.
The city also will be expanding private security at Tandy Park from 2-5 a.m. each night.
Police also will work with the Street Outreach team, which works with people who are unhoused, Gorton said.
That Street Outreach team will be focusing on downtown, Gorton said. The city also will be releasing a request for proposals for a second Street Outreach team, officials said.
This story was originally published August 14, 2025 at 7:19 PM.
