CHICAGO () — A Southwest Side community organizer and a Chicago alderman are urging immediate action after a street takeover at 47th Street and Cicero Avenue, saying a stronger neighborhood response, better use of technology and targeted infrastructure upgrades could help prevent future incidents.
Video shared online shows a large crowd filling the area around 47th Street and Cicero Avenue around 7 p.m. Sunday while drivers spun donuts in the middle of the intersection. Police scanner audio from the scene described the incident as a “large disturbance/drag race/potential teen takeover.”
“We have to step up now. I think we need to really gather our friends and family and say enough is enough,” said Eddie Guillen, a Southwest Side community organizer.
Guillen said the latest street takeover underscores the importance of residents playing an active role in stopping dangerous gatherings before they escalate.
Scanner traffic also advised responding officers to “take caution,” with reports that people at the scene were “throwing rocks at the squad cars.”
Ald. Mike Rodriguez, who represents the 22nd Ward, said street takeovers have no place in Chicago neighborhoods.
“People shouldn’t be doing this anywhere in the city of Chicago,” Rodriguez said.
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Rodriguez said he has been in contact with residents and police in the aftermath of the incident as officials look for ways to respond and deter similar takeovers.
Such gatherings can become dangerous. Earlier this summer, a man was shot and killed near Ford City Mall, where a crowd had gathered for an apparent street takeover, according to witness video posted online.
“Many times we know when these types of things are going to happen from social media posts,” Rodriguez said. “But we know these folks are mobile.”
Rodriguez said city and state transportation officials are working on street infrastructure upgrades that could help deter takeovers. He also said cameras and license plate readers can assist police in identifying drivers involved.
However, Guillen said identifying participants can be difficult when vehicles have obscured license plates. He urged witnesses to share video evidence with police.
“Create a portal where we could actually anonymous upload these videos,” Guillen said.
Police said a 14-year-old boy was arrested at the scene of Sunday’s takeover for allegedly possessing a stolen motorcycle. It remains unclear whether any of the drivers involved in the takeover were apprehended.
