BELLEVUE, Kentucky — Three Northern Kentucky teenagers are facing charges after police say they attempted to rob a man with a knife following Riverfest on Sunday night, sparking a police chase through downtown Bellevue.
Attempted Robbery After Riverfest
According to Bellevue Police, the group of teens confronted a man, brandished a knife, and demanded his cell phone. They also tried to snatch a chain from around his neck before fleeing down Fairfield Avenue.
Chase Through Local Businesses
The suspects ran into a bar, Three Spirits, where body camera footage showed officers searching for them.
One teen locked himself inside the women’s restroom before jumping out a window eight to ten feet above the ground in an attempt to escape. Another suspect tried to hide on the bar’s back patio before being caught.
Arrests and Charges
Police eventually arrested three teens, all under 18:
- Two suspects were charged with fleeing police and released to their parents.
- A 17-year-old suspect found carrying a knife faces charges of first-degree robbery, third-degree burglary, and fleeing police. He remains in juvenile detention.
A fourth suspect believed to be involved is still at large.
Police: Youth Crime on the Rise
Bellevue Police Chief Jon McClain called Riverfest “our Super Bowl” for law enforcement but noted a troubling trend:
“Now, what we’re seeing as a trend the last couple of years is that it’s the juveniles that are doing a bulk of the violent crime we encounter, whether it be stealing cars, robberies, or stuff like that,” McClain said…