LEXINGTON, Kentucky (LEX 18) – Lexington police confirmed they have made the first arrest for illegal camping in the city since the Safer Kentucky Act went into effect on July 15.
Robert Vincent was arrested four days ago for illegal camping downtown at 111 West Main Street after repeatedly failing to comply with a reasonable order.
Vincent was arrested shortly after 9 p.m. on August 22, fourteen days after he was reported for sleeping on the sidewalk in the entrance area.
Ginny Ramsey of the Catholic Action Center says a significant number of people have been charged with illegal camping since July 15, and she sends this message:
“It’s so important that people understand that they need to take legal action,” Ramsey said.
House Bill 5, in effect since July 15, prohibits sleeping and camping in public places. Part of Ramsey's job at CAC is to get the message across to anyone who violates the Safer Kentucky Act
go to court.
“So far, the cases have been dismissed and the judges are not even charging court fees. Now we have to be careful because some people have additional charges filed against them,” Ramsey added.
Back at the Catholic Action Center, Rodney Rittenberry is grateful to be able to stay at the CAC, especially now that the Safer Kentucky Act has been in place for six weeks.
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“I finally found a place to lay my head every night,” Rittenberry said.
Rittenberry, who receives three meals a day at the CAC, says if it weren't for the CAC, he would be in prison.
Reactions like these are one of the reasons Ramsey continues her work with the homeless.
According to Ramsey, several citations have been issued for illegal camping in Lexington since July 15.
LEX18 is awaiting a response from Lexington Police after submitting an open records request.
