ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOX) – In an effort to make Washington Avenue in downtown St. Louis safer, the St. Louis police department has assigned more officers to patrol the area and even shut down several roads to alleviate traffic congestion.

But when shots rang out Saturday for the second time in recent weeks, two bouncers questioned the effectiveness of the police presence. According to the bouncers recent problems at the popular destination are the result of clubs in East St. Louis closing earlier.

Before pointing fingers, KMOX decided to talk to the Mayor of East St. Louis, Alvin Parks, to find out if there is any truth to the bouncers claims.

Click below to listen to Mayor Alvin Park’s full interview

“I don’t know where that statement comes from,” said Mayor Parks. “But what I do know is that clubs in East St. Louis may not be closing any earlier.”

Parks says most clubs in East St. Louis close at 2 a.m. However there are several clubs on Washington Avenue open until 3 a.m.

Parks says he personally has no idea where people are from who have ever caused problems on Washington Avenue. But what he does know is that his city faces the same dilemma.

“They come over with things that basically create havoc…. There have been several individuals coming from Missouri in to Illinois, and some of those individuals, come over with their guns, marijuana, and other drugs.” Parks adds that some people who visit his town are nice people looking to cause no problems.