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Milwaukee street takeovers; police respond to nearly 20 in 2 days
Multiple intersections in the City of Milwaukee became the scene of a street takeover.
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee police are criss-crossing across the city, attempting to crack down on street takeovers. Officers responded to nearly 20 takeovers over the weekend.
Milwaukee street takeovers
What we know:
If the streaks staining the streets in Milwaukee are not jarring enough, you have to see what caused them. Video of Milwaukee street takeovers flooded social media over the weekend.
The video annoyed some and alarmed others.
What they're saying:
"There was no way you could have slept through it," said Mary Wilson, who saw the street takeover.
"I don't like it, because I'm very scared and I'm an older person," said Gail Gaillard, who witnessed a street takeover.
Officer response
By the numbers:
Milwaukee police say officers responded to nearly 20 takeovers from Saturday through Sunday morning. Three people were arrested, four were cited, and six vehicles were towed.
What they're saying:
The video of the dangerous drivers on social media caught the attention of Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
"I think in one of the videos somebody got hit by a car. This is dangerous stuff and somebody’s going to end up dead if they don’t stop," Johnson said.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson
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Mayor Johnson said the acts are not only dangerous, but also a quality of life issue. Johnson said when the Common Council gets back into session, he wants city leaders to take up legislation he supported in June. That would fine spectators of street takeovers at least $500.
The mayor also addressed the idea of a possible National Guard intervention.
"The mission of the United States military is not that boots on the ground for stuff like that, it’s for insurrection, it’s for rebellion against the United States. It’s not for that," Johnson said.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson
Johnson suggested more local solutions, like a task force to crack down on drivers. He also mentioned partnering with the Department of Public Works, prosecutors, local, state and even federal law enforcement.
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"For folks who are partaking in these events, I want their vehicles towed. For people who are promoting these events, I want them cited. I want the spectators cited if they continue to do it. I want them to have escalators in terms of the citations that they get and if they require some jail time them, so be it," Johnson said.
SKYFOX captures tire marks at intersection where street takeover happened
What's next:
Mayor Johnson said he is going to talk to the Department of Public Works about changes in the roadways that could help. He also mentioned talking with those in the legal system and even if the FBI to crack down on the issue and hold people accountable.
Milwaukee street takeovers; residents call for action
Videos show multiple street takeovers across downtown Milwaukee over the weekend, alarming neighbors and witnesses.
The Source: The information in this post was provided, in part, by the Milwaukee Police Department.