SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A new downtown business owner spoke out after a fight broke out near her lounge early Sunday morning.
Just before 2 a.m., Salt Lake City police were called to a report of a fistfight on Exchange Place between Main and State streets. When officers arrived, they found two separate altercations involving at least four people actively fighting, according to arrest documents. Two people were taken into custody.
Katia Dugala, owner of Eight Settlers Distillery, said she was shocked when she saw video of the incident.
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“When I saw the video, I was shocked and sad because, as a brand-new business, that’s the last thing you want to see,” Dugala said.
Dugala said her business has been open for only three weeks.
“Some people say any publicity is good publicity. I’m not a believer in that,” she said. “Obviously, I would love to have people know us for what we are.”
Sgt. Greg Wilking of the Salt Lake City Police Department said these types of incidents are not uncommon when bars close for the night.
“A silly argument, probably fueled by booze,” Wilking said.
Police said no serious injuries were reported, and those involved described the incident as mutual combat.
When asked how the department is working to combat crime in the area, Wilking said officers are increasing their presence downtown.
“Just by having a presence in the area, making sure that people are aware that we’re paying attention,” he said.
In a statement, Andrew Wittenberg, a spokesperson for the mayor’s office, said:
“The fight was an isolated incident and is not indicative of broader trends. Officers de-escalated the situation without injuries, and two arrests were made. Mayor Erin Mendenhall and the Salt Lake City Police Department continue to make progress on the city’s Public Safety Plan, with more than half of its actions already implemented. The downtown area has been a key focus of that plan.”
For Dugala, the increased police presence is reassuring but complicated.
“It’s bittersweet. They’re great. They are not intrusive,” Dugala said. “It’s just the perception of having to have police on the street at all hours.”
According to the Salt Lake City Police Department’s crime map, five crimes have been reported along Exchange Place, including larceny, theft and robbery.
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