CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police spent the weekend cracking down on drivers and spectators who have participated in street takeovers, a troubling trend that's caused problems on roads across the country.
There were several of these events last weekend, seeing drivers come out and rev their engines while doing dangerous stunts including burnouts and doughnuts. While it's happening, other people stand close by and shoot videos and post them to social media. It's been a problem for a while and CMPD says it will continue to go after people who take part in the illegal gatherings.
“We will tow that vehicle to an impound lot," Lt. Christopher Rorie said. "We will collect all of the evidence we can, pictures, look at its tread, look at the modifications to the car and process that."
Just this past weekend, CMPD seized 11 cars from street takeovers across the city. Most of the incidents happened on Saturday night, from Statesville Avenue to West Boulevard and Wilkinson Boulevard. In all, CMPD handed out 13 citations in connection with the street takeovers.
Detectives say more arrests and seizure warrants may come as the incidents are reviewed. Since CMPD started cracking down on street takeovers in February, officers have issued 135 citations, made 29 arrests, towed 94 vehicles and seized 17 guns.
A new state law that takes effect next month will be even tougher on people who organize and take part in street takeovers by giving police more weapons to combat these events.
"We hope that along with this new statute and the statues we already have that it will discourage this behavior," Rorie said.
Any vehicle sized during a street takeover as evidence can only be returned to the owner after CMPD receives a court order.
Contact Richard DeVayne at rdevayne@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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