CHICAGO () — Chicago residents and neighborhood advocates are urging city officials to take more aggressive action after multiple street takeovers disrupted parts of the city over the holiday weekend.
The gatherings unfolded across several Chicago neighborhoods, adding to what residents describe as an ongoing summer pattern of reckless driving and late-night chaos. On the South Side, one takeover near Lake Shore Drive and Jeffrey featured a large ring of fire as crowds surrounded vehicles. By Sunday, the damage was still apparent, with long tire marks etched into nearby streets.
Community activist Raul Montes said the street takeovers are more than a nuisance, warning that they create serious safety risks for bystanders, drivers and nearby residents.
“Just a multitude of people, cars, reckless driving revving up their vehicles doing donuts. I mean people are at risk,” Montes said.
Videos also showed similar incidents near 18th Street and Canal Street and around 47th Street and California Avenue. In both areas, crowds appeared to block roadways while vehicles sped through intersections and performed stunts.
Chicago police were asked for additional information about the weekend incidents, including whether anyone had been arrested, but the department did not provide details on arrests or other developments.
People who live near the affected intersections said the repeated street takeovers have become a persistent and frustrating problem, leaving residents concerned about noise, property damage and public safety.
“It was horrible. It was a pickup truck making donuts and engine noise, and just now I came over here I see the street marks they keep coming back,” Dr. Kim Tee said.
Activists pointed to enforcement efforts in Los Angeles, where police have conducted operations targeting street takeovers. According reports, officers there arrested nearly 70 people and issued almost 600 citations.
Montes said he would like to see a similar response in Chicago.
“They had over 150 officers deployed yesterday there was arrests, citations and they got drones going over the area. Check who’s doing this why can’t Chicago learn from LA. There needs to be a resolution,” Montes said.
Efforts to reach Mayor Brandon Johnson for comment on the weekend incidents were unsuccessful.
At this time, there do not appear to have been any major injuries or arrests connected to the reported street takeovers.
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