This past weekend, multiple cities in Connecticut were thrown into chaos as illegal street takeovers, drawing up to 1,500 cars, ran rampant through the streets. The events, which took place in Milton, Derby, New Haven, and Shelton, left one police officer hospitalized after being assaulted by the mob.
In Milton, police were pelted with fireworks as they tried to shut down the takeover, with shocking video footage showing attendees throwing lit fireworks at police and bystanders while flashing lasers illuminated the sky. In Derby, attendees fired rockets at cops, causing chaotic scenes. The group reportedly started in Shelton and traveled to North Haven, Orange, Derby, and then back to Shelton as police pursued in an attempt to disperse them.
According to Shelton Police Detective Richard Bango, some of the vehicles involved in the takeovers traveled from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Vermont for the event. Police learned about the planned takeover on Saturday and coordinated a multi-agency response, including the FBI and Connecticut State Police, to address the situation.
In addition to causing mayhem on the streets, the events also resulted in dangerous driving maneuvers, such as donuts, and attempts to evade police. In West Haven, six people were arrested after attendees performed donuts and other dangerous stunts, and fireworks were thrown at officers.
The events in Connecticut are part of a concerning trend, with other cities, such as Indianapolis, also experiencing a rise in illegal street takeovers. The Indianapolis event, which drew more than 500 cars from various states, ended with gunfire and the arrest of a suspect who injured two cops after leading them on a pursuit.
Authorities have expressed their concerns about the dangerous nature of these illegal gatherings, emphasizing their unwanted and risky nature. The rise in street takeovers poses a significant risk to public safety and law enforcement, prompting a coordinated effort to address the issue.