A startling video has emerged capturing the audacious moment when masked individuals attacked a police vehicle with an officer still inside, in the midst of a tumultuous street takeover in Maryland.
The incident took place at the crossroads of East West Highway and Connecticut Avenue in Gaithersburg, Maryland, shortly after midnight on February 22. Eyewitnesses and video footage reveal a chaotic scene where drivers crowded the intersection, halting traffic from all directions to perform high-speed “donuts,” while spectators gathered dangerously close in the street.
According to Montgomery County police, the commotion began around 12:39 a.m. A large convoy of vehicles, linked to the takeover activity, was spotted making its way towards the Silver Spring central business district.
In response, officers swiftly moved to track the group and took measures by closing off several intersections to curb access and safeguard the public. Despite these precautions, the swarm of cars took over the bustling intersection, effectively bringing it to a standstill.
Dashcam footage captured the scene as some individuals brazenly obstructed police vehicles by standing in their path, while drivers continued to perform reckless “donuts” in the middle of the road.
Dash camera video showed individuals appearing to deliberately block police vehicles by standing in the roadway and drivers continuing to perform “donuts” in the road.
During the confrontation, two marked Montgomery County police cruisers were vandalized.
Photos from the department showed the windows of the patrol vehicles shattered.
In one case, an officer was seated inside his vehicle when the rear window was shattered and the windshield was smashed. No officers were injured.
Maryland State Police responded to assist in dispersing the crowd and restoring traffic flow.
Before the caravan reached Montgomery County, three handguns were recovered during traffic stops conducted by Prince George’s County Police and Maryland State Police related to the gathering.
Police said street takeovers pose serious risks to participants, spectators and unsuspecting drivers.
The Montgomery County Department of Police 2nd District Investigative Section is leading the investigation and is asking for the public’s help identifying those responsible.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County at www.crimesolversmcmd.org by clicking “Submit a Tip” or by calling 1-866-411-8477. Tips may remain anonymous, and information leading to an arrest could qualify for a reward ranging from $250 to $10,000.
