A dangerous and illegal street takeover took place in the early hours of **Saturday, April 19**, around 2 a.m. in the Maspeth area of Queens, at the intersection of 69th Street and Eliot Avenue. Dozens of vehicles gathered at the junction between two gas stations, where participants ignited a large ring of fire in the middle of the road and began
circling it.
Video shared by Council Member Phil Wong shows drivers performing reckless “donuts” around the burning ring while hundreds of spectators crowded the scene, cheering and recording the incident.
According to the New York Police Department, responding officers observed a blue vehicle driving erratically in circles. A silver BMW X3 carrying three male occupants and a white BMW with two men and one woman were also present at the scene.
As police attempted to disperse the crowd, two men jumped onto the hood of a marked police vehicle and began stomping on it, shattering the windshield and causing significant damage. The suspects then fled the scene in a black Nissan. No injuries were reported.
The NYPD has released images of eight individuals and the vehicles involved, seeking public assistance in identifying the suspects. No arrests have been made so far. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
The incident has sparked anger and frustration among local residents. One resident, Ronnie, said, “I’m against what’s happening here. Police need to be respected. There’s no respect for law and order anymore.” Another resident, Joe, said he is considering moving to Florida, adding, “I’m retiring in six months, and I’ll leave. It’s not going to get
better.”
Street takeovers have increased in New York in recent years, often occurring at night in commercial areas or busy intersections. This latest incident—where suspects directly attacked a police vehicle and smashed its windshield—has raised fresh concerns about public safety and law enforcement challenges.
Maspeth is located near Jackson Heights and Woodside, neighborhoods with large Bangladeshi communities, adding to concerns among local residents about safety in the area.
