CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A suspect who took part in several street takeover events across Charlotte has been arrested, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
Officers located 20-year-old Ethan Copeland yesterday after he led police on a foot chase. Copeland's white Mustang was also taken by officers.
Copeland is charged with two counts of reckless driving and a count of felony flee to elude, according to police.
MORE NEWS: As CMPD continues to crack down on street takeovers, some state lawmakers are getting involved
CMPD said cracking down on these meet-ups is a top priority.
In the last two months, the agency has issued about 70 citations for street-takeover-related incidents.
Back in March, people were back at it near the NASCAR Hall of Fame, taking over the same intersection as another incident in February. Some who live and work in the area say they are sick of it.
“They blocked off three of the lanes and the motorcycle decided to start the process off,” Kena Gilbert, who works nearby, said.
She saw dozens of drivers during the street takeover. Gilbert said it is a major disturbance for the local community.
“It was very loud and I kept getting phone calls about it," Gilbert said. "I was witnessing something that is just very dangerous."
MORE ON WCNC
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.
Locked On is the leading podcast network for local sports and is owned by WCNC Charlotte's parent company TEGNA.
Listen to Locked On here.
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Stitcher || TuneIn || Google Podcasts
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.