CT State Police Set Up Tip Line, Website For 'Street Takeovers'

MANCHESTER, CT — Connecticut State Police Friday said that a statewide tip line and website have been established for "street takeovers."

Residents can call 1-800-CALL-FBI and select the "Connecticut Street Takeovers" option, or visit fbi.gov/cttakeovertips to provide investigators with video/photos related to takeover outbreaks. All information may be submitted anonymously and will remain confidential, state police said.

The announcement was accompanies by a message from state police:

"If you come across a street racing area, stop, turn around and find an alternate route. Do not approach the individuals and call 9-1-1 immediately. These groups are extremely dangerous. Perpetrators that violate the laws and cause these dangerous situations or those that are active participants will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. If you witness any crimes or have evidence that a crime is or was being committed, please contact your local law enforcement agency to hand over evidence to detectives. Parents should be aware that a majority of the spectators are high school teenagers and conversations should be had to discuss the inherent dangers and consequences of these activities."

An arrest was recently made involving a man state police are calling a "ringleader" in the organized takeovers. He is due back in Manchester Superior Court next month. See details about the case here.

The events involve upwards of 200 people who clog streets and commuter lots to cheer on several cars, whose drivers perform burnouts, and racing maneuvers. Fires are often set and fireworks are set off, state police said. Coordinated events recently took place in Tolland, Hartford and New London counties, state police said. In Tolland, participants wrecked the cars of passersby with bats. At event in Manchester in 2020 led to fatal shootings.