Fireworks Thrown At Police, Bystanders In Street Takeover: Derby PD

DERBY, CT — Police are asking for the public's help identifying anyone involved in a street takeover incident that took place early Saturday morning in Derby.

Police said on Facebook officers responded to the street takeover on Pershing Drive around 1 a.m. and found a large number of vehicles and people blocking the road.

As the vehicles involved performed stunts and blocked the exits of businesses in the area, the crowd was unruly and threw fireworks at police and bystanders stuck in the area, according to police.

Police said they are asking for assistance "identifying anyone involved" in the incident. The department also posted multiple videos of the street takeover, which can be viewed here.

Similar incidents have been reported in a number of communities across the state. In a Facebook post this week, 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."