BATON ROUGE — Police have increased their presence on Third Street following a series of late-night fights that drew attention from business owners and spread across social media.

WBRZ first reported on the fights on Third Street, with video of at least one altercation going viral online. That attention prompted bar owners to speak out about downtown safety.

Bar owner Daniel Unda said the situation had become a serious problem.

"Downtown's already hard enough, but having to deal with the violence that we suffer from every other weekend is bad," Unda said on Aug. 11.

Unda says the increased police presence has made a noticeable difference, particularly during busy hours when bars close and patrons move into the streets.

"Night and day, as I said, the police presence has been here," Unda said. "We are very blessed that they have made a commitment to make sure we're safe."

A police station already sits across from the bars on Third Street, but security there is ramping up. Lieutenant L'Jean McKneely says club owners have also taken steps on their own.

"What has happened is the club owners themselves have taken the proactive approach and added additional officers for the downtown events," McKneely said.

McKneely says officers are already working the area and more can be called in when needed.

"We already have officers working here, and if we see that there is an influx, we'll make a call and get some additional officers and have them address the issues, if they are indeed happening," McKneely said.

Unda plans to meet with Mayor-President Sid Edwards to discuss what other changes can be made downtown.