CLEVELAND — New surveillance video and photos are providing a closer look at the chaos created by seven “street takeovers” that took place across Cleveland last weekend.
Friday, the Cleveland Division of Police (CPD) released still images from the incidents.
"Street takeovers have proven dangerous for the participants, observers and non-involved citizens. Safety is the top concern and there’s an urgency to locate the suspects," said Cleveland police in a press release.
3News also obtained footage from the city capturing the moments a group took over the intersection of Lorain Avenue and West 25th Street in Ohio City.
The video shows the first signs of activity at 1:14 a.m., as people start to gather on sidewalks. Next, the video shows suspicious behavior from two cars that start to move against the flow of traffic, and at 1:16 a.m., the first donut is captured on camera.
Over the next 15 minutes, multiple cars spin in donuts around the intersection and groups of people take videos of the commotion.
At 1:32 a.m., a person with a box runs into the middle of the intersection and sets off fireworks.
As fireworks burst into the sky, drivers continue doing donuts and commandeering the intersection.
At 1:50 a.m., the cars appear to disburse.
At 1:52, the first police car reaches the intersection.
You can see more video below
3News asked CPD Sergeant Wilfredo Diaz about the police response times and why it took officers so long to get to the scene.
“One of the important things to keep in mind is when these vehicles are operating, these are 2,000 pound vehicles, right? This is a potentially dangerous situation where officers have to be methodical and strategic with their approach,” said Diaz. “If the officers are victims or injured, they’re not useful or not able to help. So, part of that response is making sure that this is done correctly, responsibly, and safely.”
3News also asked whether officers will directly intervene if future takeovers occur.
“We can't disclose, you know, our plans as far as our response. However, you know, from each incident we learn, right? And we take that into consideration, and yes, our division is committed to responding, we have officers that are going to be out there, dedicated to making sure that this enforcement is done,” said Diaz.
Photos of the individuals and vehicles involved can be viewed below:
Cleveland police release pictures from 'street takeover'
Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to contact Cleveland police at 216-623-5474.