INDIANAPOLIS — IMPD is warning participants of illegal street takeovers of the legal consequences ahead of a city-wide crackdown beginning Saturday evening.
In a social media post made on Sept. 20, IMPD noted that it, along with Indiana State Police, will increase patrols the weekend of Sept. 21 and 22 following several street takeovers last weekend, some which turned violent.
Ahead of the scheduled crackdown, IMPD announced officers had "proactively towed cars, made arrests, and ended the reckless driving behavior of spinning (street takeovers)." IMPD shared photos of some of the impounded cars as well as a photo showing two guns and an empty bottle of liquor inside one of the impounded cars.
A follow-up post made a couple hours later listed the consequences of reckless driving and blocking of traffic, reminding the public they will be held accountable for their actions if they are caught engaging in an illegal street takeover.
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.
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..."
Planners and participants would also face up to $250 in fines under the proposed ordinance. Spectators could be fined up to $100.
