'Significant Police Response' Planned For Possible Street Takeover In Norwalk: PD

NORWALK, CT — Police said a "significant response" is prepared after learning of a possible street takeover event planned to take place in Norwalk this weekend.

In a statement, Police Chief James Walsh said the department, in collaboration with Connecticut State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, received information about a street takeover planned for Saturday night in the area of Connecticut Avenue.

In response, the department and state police have planned "a significant police response" to strategically deter and maintain order, Walsh said.

"As we have seen in reports from other street takeovers, these events can be extremely dangerous to the participants, the general public, and police officers," Walsh said in a statement. "The Norwalk Police Department, along with its law enforcement partners, is committed to the deterrence and enforcement of such crimes to maintain public safety."

Similar incidents have recently been reported in a number of communities across the state. During a street takeover in Derby last month, the vehicles involved performed stunts and blocked the exits of businesses in the area as the unruly crowd threw fireworks at officers and bystanders stuck in the area, according to police.

In a December Facebook post, Trumbull police said street takeovers, or vehicle "meets," are events where numerous motorists congregate and occupy various roadways and parking areas.

"These events have become an increasing problem that jeopardize public safety and are occurring more frequently in many areas throughout the country," Trumbull police said on Facebook.

According to Trumbull police, street takeovers are pre-organized gatherings of large numbers of vehicles that can include cars, trucks, motorcycles and off-road vehicles.

"During many of these gatherings, participants speed, drive recklessly, and engage in various other illegal activities where there are numerous other vehicles and pedestrians," police said. "Participants traveling to and from these events overwhelm city/town streets, disobey the rules of the road, and not only endanger themselves but jeopardize the safety of others that may be around."

Trumbull police advise anyone who encounters a street takeover not to approach the people involved or try to intervene.

Drivers are advised to stay in their vehicle, lock their doors, keep windows closed, turn around and find an alternate route out of the area.

"Call the police immediately to notify them of the occurrence and your observations," police said. "These groups of people can be extremely dangerous, as many have participated in violent acts towards other citizens, innocent bystanders and even law enforcement."