By Steven Symes 
Police in Charlotte, North Carolina recently busted some street takeover participants, seizing cars and arresting suspects. Illegal takeovers have been on the rise in the city, a problem which is being felt in other parts of the country. The street takeover cancer has spread from California across the United States, mostly thanks to social media.
Security guard allegedly pulls over motorist in Florida.
This latest incident where law enforcement not only broke up the takeover but busted participants happened the weekend after Christmas. Officers from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to the scene after receiving calls about multiple events spread across the city.
One event in the Uptown area was recorded by a resident from her balcony. She was shocked, telling Queen City News she had never seen such a thing before, only hearing about street takeovers happening in the city.
In the end, police seized two cars, and they recovered an allegedly stolen vehicle. Several people were arrested for possession of stolen vehicles, plus resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer. When one suspect drove off in an attempt to get away, an officer was injured, although it was only minor in nature.
More people received citations in the bust, including at least one for participating in a street takeover and four for spectating. That was made possible by a new law that went into effect in December as North Carolina, like some other states, has decided to crack down on the takeover trend.
The first citation can include a $1,000 fine and a misdemeanor charge. Police can in some cases seize cars. But a second offense within 24 months can lead to a felony charge. That’s not a great thing to have on your record.
Other states have laws which target not only people who drive in street takeovers but also those who stand and watch or record the illegal activities on their phones. Since spectators post videos online, they help to spread the trend.
Image via Queen City News/YouTube