The Tuscaloosa Police Department shut down the Strip on Saturday night after a group of people reported hearing what they thought were gunshots.
Stephanie Taylor, a TPD spokeswoman, said that around 9 p.m., Police Chief Brent Blankley ordered the closure of three-block area just west of the University of Alabama campus that includes bars, restaurants and other retail businesses, “out of an abundance of caution.”
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She said officers who were already stationed in the area just before 9 p.m. when people began running because they believed they heard gunshots.
“After a thorough check, officers found no evidence that any shots had been fired and confirmed that no one had been injured,” Taylor said in an email.
“The University of Alabama’s SpotShotter system, which detects gunfire in the area, did not register any gunfire during that time.” she added.
Taylor said that Blankley’s declaration meant that anyone who was not inside a business or actively leaving the area was required to clear the Strip.
The Strip was likely more crowded than usual because of a full schedule of athletic events on Saturday, which included the A-Day football practice and UA baseball and softball home games.
“There have been no other major issues reported today, and the atmosphere has otherwise remained safe and orderly,” Taylor said.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: The Strip closed by Tuscaloosa police after gunshots reported