INDIANAPOLIS — IMPD continues to investigate several "spinning" and "street takeover" incidents over the weekend.
The dangerous trend includes drivers blocking off intersections, doing burnouts and, at times, even lighting the street on fire.
At least seven people were arrested for the recent street chaos across Indianapolis, but we know hundreds more were involved.
However, when it comes to holding these suspects accountable, the law only goes so far.
On Monday, Sept. 16, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey called for harsher penalties for people participating in illegal street takeovers, including the ability to seize their cars.
The push comes after several officers and their patrol cars were attacked over the weekend while responding to several street takeovers.
"Our officers responded to calls regarding street takeovers and spinning, and in doing so, they were met with violence," Bailey said. "Let me be clear: we will not tolerate any behavior that puts officer safety or the safety of our community at risk."
And Indy isn't alone.
Louisville is dealing with the same problem.
"Fortunately, here in Louisville, we have a Metro Council that acted quickly to provide us an ordinance to help combat that crime,” said Sgt. Matt Sanders with the Louisville Metro Police Department.
The ordinance allows the police department to seize vehicles involved in takeovers for up to six months, along with a $1,000 fine.
Sanders said street takeovers and exhibitions remain a problem in Louisville, however, not to the same extent as other cities their size. This month, the department has seized about 25 cars that will remain in their impound lot until March 2025.
"The fines and the points on the driver's license really wasn't getting it done, but taking somebody's prized possession for six months and accompanying it with a $1,000 fine, we have seen some dramatic results from it, and it stings, and it's working here in Louisville,” Sanders said.
State Sen. Aaron Freeman (R-District 32) tried to do something similar here in Indiana by introducing a bill earlier this year.
"When folks are acting in a way that they know is illegal and then they have no thought of being punished about it or fear of punishment, that's a problem,” Freeman said.
Under Freeman's bill, someone caught “spinning” for a second time would face prison time, lose their license and have their vehicle taken away.
Freeman said he plans to reintroduce the bill next session.
"I think it's time we get serious about this, and I think it’s time we send the message — if you use a vehicle in this manner, you are not only going to go to prison, but you are going to lose a lot of money and you are going to lose your vehicle,” Freeman said.
IMPD is also working with the Indianapolis City-County Council to introduce a local ordinance that would give the department more teeth when it comes to holding people accountable.