CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – Nearly 100 people have been criminally charged in connection with a series of illegal street takeovers across Charlotte, police announced Friday. The arrests are part of what officers called “Street Takeovers III — The Sequel Nobody Asked For.”
98 People Charged in a Week
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) said officers drew warrants for 98 people in just a week after blocking off intersections and turning them into makeshift racetracks. Police emphasized that the takeovers remain illegal, dangerous, and subject to immediate shutdowns.
Street takeovers typically involve drivers performing burnouts, donuts, and stunts while blocking traffic, often drawing large crowds. CMPD reminded participants and spectators that such activity will not be tolerated.
History of Street Takeovers in Charlotte
The arrests follow a pattern of disruptive events over the past year:
- March 2024: Two people were arrested and a bystander was shot when a takeover drew about 500 vehicles, including cars from out of state.
- August 2024: CMPD, with the help of the N.C. State Highway Patrol, seized multiple vehicles and issued 20 citations during a takeover crackdown.
- December 2024: State troopers arrested five men and a teenager, seizing six trucks near Lake Norman in Mooresville.
These incidents highlight the growing popularity — and danger — of the illegal gatherings, which often include fireworks, fires, and reckless driving on public roads.
CMPD Issues Strong Warning
CMPD delivered a stern message to anyone considering joining future takeovers:
“Street stunts have consequences! And we’ll be here to remind you of that, every time,” the department said…