Milwaukee city leaders pledge crackdown on reckless driving 'takeovers'
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee city officials are trying to stop the spread of reckless driving takeovers before they ramp up in the summer months.
Earlier this week more than 200 cars showed up to one such takeover.
They're trying to be proactive. The takeovers are often spread on social media, with the goal to meet up and drive recklessly.
City leaders say they will not be tolerated.
Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said, "This behavior will not be tolerated. This is not a game."
Monday night, between 200-250 cars packed a parking lot at 103rd and Silver Spring, doing donuts and spinning out.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson said, "People have engaged in pretty selfish and unacceptable behaviors."
MPD responded Monday. Officers made 36 traffic stops and issued 50 citations. Four people were arrested and one gun was recovered.
Mayor Johnson likened it to a scene at Midtown Center in 2021. 300 gunshots were fired and two people were injured.
Chief Norman said there was no violence Monday, but the behavior could have led to violence. He added, "I would hope this is going to be a message that this is going to be focused efforts to ensure individuals know there will be accountability for these behaviors."
Chief Norman said the takeovers are not limited to Milwaukee, adding they're spreading in other states, often fueled by social media.
As the weather warms, city leaders are calling for a peaceful summer.
In 2022, repeated gun violence along Water Street forced curfew restrictions and shut down a Bucks playoff watch party at Deer District.
Mayor Johnson said, "We don't want to see a repeat of what we saw last year, and that's part of our efforts here and now. It's working to make sure we get up front and ahead of situations that may cause violent disruptions in the City of Milwaukee."
They now believe their response will be enough deterrent to make a difference.
Chief Norman said, "I'm proud the Milwaukee Police Department did an amazing job of intervening and preventing violence in this particular area."
MPD is actively monitoring social media for leads on takeover events.
Another takeover was originally planned for Tuesday along Milwaukee's lakefront. Law enforcement monitored that location, but no reckless drivers showed up.