Chicago police take aim at street racing and drifting after chaotic weekend

CHICAGO - Chicago's top cop says they're cracking down on drag racing and street takeovers after a weekend that saw plenty of both impact several locations around the city.

"People think this is fun behavior, said Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown. "What we need to do is make this a very serious criminal offense."

Brown admitted to growing frustration as hundreds burn rubber and break the law.

On Saturday around 2:30 a.m., screeching tires and cheering crowds woke up downtown residents near Columbus and Wacker. Hundreds of people blocked the intersection, as one of several so-called "street takeovers" was quickly organized via social media.

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"It's very dangerous behavior by these people, not only for the people drag racing but for the spectators," said Brown.

Chicago police arrested nine people and impounded seven cars this weekend under a brand-new law that allows police to seize vehicles used in these events and fine owners up to $10,000 to get their car back.

Brown warned that police have identified at least 22 more cars they're going after.

"They highlight their drag racing on social media. But that's evidence for us to tow their car at a later date. So, a warning to those trying to sensationalize drag racing, thank you because we're gonna charge you and tow your car with up to a ten-thousand dollar fine."

At least one of the street takeovers near McCormick Place turned violent, with participants throwing bricks and bottles at police cars and smashing windows.

Police say they've also established a "Caravan Task Force" to tackle the growing problem, which will use city trucks, mobile POD cameras and tow trucks to block and identify groups trying to gather.

"The task force has been around for about four weeks now. After we noticed an uptick in the pattern of the caravans coming downtown, we decided to create the task force and put an end to this type of behavior," said Chicago Police Chief Brian McDermott.

It can't come fast enough for weary residents.

Alderman Brendan Reilly, in whose 42nd Ward many of the street takeovers have occurred, texted: "I'm at my wits end … At the end of the day it comes down to aggressive enforcement. We need the Superintendent to take this seriously and allocate the resources necessary to stamp it out."

Brown said he may go back to the City Council and ask for tougher laws, perhaps impounding the cars of spectators and doubling fines.

"So, more cars towed," Brown said. "I'm not opposed to raising it from $10,000 to $20,000 if it continues. Let's keep going until these knuckleheads get the message."

Mayor Lori Lightfoot acknowledged Monday that organizers have been difficult to track down on social media. The fact that people can advertise such dangerous activities on social media without any consequences is an "absolute abomination," she said, calling on the federal government to intervene.

"What I’m concerned about is not only the harm that’s being done to area residents, and that is a harm for sure," Lightfoot said. "But one of these cars that spins out of control, somebody’s going to lose their life, that’s what I am really worried about."

The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.