Council works with police on new measure to control street takeover events

Street takeovers have increasingly plagued the city of Indianapolis. The City-County Council is considering a new proposal to curb the disruptive nighttime events.

Street takeovers are organized vehicle “flash mobs” where people take control of roadways with spinning cars, motorcycles and usually a crowd of onlookers.

The new local ordinance would impose a $250 fine and allow for vehicles that participate in street takeovers to be impounded. IMPD Deputy Chief Richard Riddle says the takeovers started ramping up following the pandemic.

“This has been plaguing our city streets and private parking lots for nearly four years now,” Riddle said.

Riddle says the move aims to gain some control over the actions which have led to some violence including shots fired, people struck and police cars damaged.

Police did bring the issue to state lawmakers who failed to pass any legislation this year.  Participants of recent street takeovers have been charged with firearm possession, resisting law enforcement and criminal mischief.

The public weighed in during a recent discussion of the proposal at a public safety committee meeting.

Cecilia Gomez spoke against the measure. “This proposal is fertile ground for racial profiling and collective punishment and as a community member I resolutely oppose the government overreach that infringes on our right to assemble,” she said.

Another community member said the proposal didn’t go far enough. The measure now heads to the full council for a vote.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.