"Disorderly street seizures cause mayhem in cities nationwide, according to a crime analyst"

Street Takeovers Cause Chaos Across US Cities

Over the past few weeks, a series of high-profile street takeover incidents have been reported across the country, causing chaos and fear among residents.

On Aug. 9, around 50 vehicles caused havoc outside the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with drivers performing donuts, burnouts, and setting off fireworks. Just a few days earlier, on Aug. 16, hundreds of people and cars swarmed parking lots in Seaside, California, in an illegal street takeover. Authorities reportedly arrested 64 spectators and towed 25 vehicles in the incident.

Similar incidents have been reported in other cities. In Charlotte, North Carolina, 98 people were arrested during the week of Aug. 11 for their roles in numerous street takeovers. In Cincinnati, 17 cars were involved in an early August street takeover, and four vehicles were impounded.

In Tampa, Florida, 200 bikers took to the streets on Aug. 13, causing extreme danger, according to Tampa Police Maj. Les Richardson. On Aug. 18, a street takeover occurred in Dallas, Texas, involving a large group of motorcycles, dirt bikes, and off-road vehicles. One person was arrested after over 100 bikers flooded a Boston highway in Massachusetts on Aug. 16, 2025.

The responsibility for efforts to end street takeovers in US cities lies primarily with local law enforcement agencies, sometimes supported or overseen by federal authorities such as the DEA. This was demonstrated in Washington D.C., where the DEA chief was appointed emergency police chief with oversight functions by the US Justice Department.

Peter Moskos, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and an expert in crime prevention and reduction, stated that urban organized street takeovers are causing fear among residents and giving the perception that authorities are not in control. Moskos, who was previously a police officer in Baltimore's Eastern District, suggests that the first step to tackling street takeovers is understanding why they are happening and having politicians take action to end them.

Social media plays a role in the continued trend of street takeovers, with events often being organised and publicised online. Peter D'Abrosca, a graduate of Elon University and a former politics reporter at The Tennessee Star, who joined a news website in 2025, reported that two people reportedly broke into a storefront and looted merchandise during the event in Los Angeles.

In conclusion, street takeovers have become a growing problem in cities across the US, causing chaos, fear, and even property damage. Local law enforcement agencies, sometimes supported by federal authorities, are working to end these illegal events. Understanding the reasons behind street takeovers and taking action to address them is crucial in preventing future incidents.