Police in Suffolk County, Long Island, arrested 15 people after a group allegedly took over local roads to perform dangerous driving stunts, burnouts and other reckless maneuvers. Authorities also seized seven vehicles.
According to the Suffolk County Police Department, officers learned through social media monitoring and intelligence on Friday night that a group was planning a “street takeover” somewhere in the county.
Police monitored the group’s movements throughout the night and disrupted attempted gatherings near Commack Road and Sunrise Highway in Islip, followed by another attempted meetup around Route 112 and Main Street in Patchogue.
The group was eventually stopped at about 12:50 a.m. Saturday near Woodside Avenue and Saugerties Drive in Medford. Police said several vehicles had already taken over the roadway, with drivers allegedly performing dangerous maneuvers, including donuts and burnouts.
Suffolk County Police’s Street Takeover Task Force moved in, arresting 15 people and impounding seven vehicles. Officers also issued multiple traffic violations and fines.
Police said 14 of those arrested were charged with participating in or spectating at an illegal speed competition.
The suspects are from various communities across Long Island as well as New York City.
Authorities have increasingly targeted street takeovers, which can involve large crowds, blocked roads and high-speed stunts, citing the risks they pose to motorists, pedestrians and nearby residents.
