INDIANAPOLIS โ At least seven people were arrested as a result of weekend "spinning" and street takeovers in Indianapolis, IMPD announced Monday.
The department said in a social media post that in addition to the arrests, officers issued one summons, towed at least four cars, seized two guns and issued 40 tickets.
"IMPD wants to remind our community that reckless driving, street takeovers, and spinning isn't just dangerous, it is also illegal," IMPD said in the post. "This dangerous behavior put lives at serious risk, including drivers, passengers, and innocent bystanders."
IMPD and Indiana State Police said that the previous weekend, officers and troopers were attacked and their cars damaged while responding to several street racing and spinning events.
"Let me be clearโwe will not tolerate any behavior that puts officer safety or the safety of our community at risk," IMPD Chief Chris Bailey said in a statement. "We will continue to investigate these incidents thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable for their actions."
In the social media post, IMPD thanked ISP for its support in combating street takeovers, stating that "ISP's use of the ISP helicopter and providing officers throughout the community was a continued dedication by the ISP Superintendent Doug Carter to maintain the enforcement of law and ensure a safe community to the citizens of Indianapolis."
Street takeovers have become a significant problem in Indianapolis and nationwide. In Marion County, the City-County Council is expected to discuss a new ordinance on Monday, Sept. 23 that would enact stricter penalties for those caught participating in an illegal street takeover.
"When IMPD brought this to us, we the idea was to focus on those drivers first," Councilor Leroy Robinson said. "Those that are actually committing these crimes of driving recklessly on these streets and taking their vehicles away."
Under the ordinance, cars used in street takeovers would also be impounded for at least 30 days. According to the ordinance:
"The purpose of such impoundment and holding period is because such vehicles pose a potential hazard to public safety by virtue of their use in an illegal street racing and/or reckless driving exhibition..."
"We going to send a strong message. We are going to take your vehicles, we are going to arrest you, we're going to fine you. This has to come to a stop in our city," Robinson said.
Planners and participants would also face up to $250 in fines under the proposed ordinance. Spectators could be fined up to $100.
