Video shows illegal Indianapolis street takeover that featured 500 cars and drivers doing doughnuts as women twerked out the window
An illegal street takeover in Indiana attracted more than 500 vehicles, some performing dangerous stunts as people leaned out of windows, and ended in gunfire as officers tried to break up the congestion.
Shocking footage shows the chaos unfolding in Indianapolis, where the number of such takeovers is on an alarming rise. Unauthorized activities include cars blocking roads and performing stunts, and videos are often posted online.
Cars from five states converged on Indianapolis over the weekend, and video showed a huge crowd in the parking lot watching the stunts.
Police attempted to break up the gathering, but it sparked a one-car chase that resulted in officers opening fire and injuring two officers.
“This is not a desirable thing for the community and a very dangerous activity,” Indianapolis Police Northwest District Chief Lorenzo Lewis said of the rise in takeovers.
Police in Indiana were called to help stop a massive illegal seizure that involved the seizure of 500 vehicles from five states.
Video shows drivers performing dangerous stunts as people lean out of windows
Smoke billows around the car as its tires screech along the ground.
Another video taken from the sky shows the terrifying scale of the event, with rows of cars parked and a dangerous burn taking place in the center.
Police said drivers poured in from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Vermont.
Police said they initially kept drivers away from Research Drive, but motorists used social media to create new locations.
Around midnight, the situation escalated as officers cleared a parking lot in the 2800 block of Lafayette Road where several vehicles were driving dangerously. Fox 59 reports.
One police officer said he arrived on the scene and heard “multiple” gunshots.
Officers identified the vehicle as being driven by 23-year-old Sebastian Jimenez, who they said failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued.
Jimenez fled into a dead-end parking lot before turning around and crashing into a police car, injuring the officer, according to police.
Sebastian Jimenez, 23, was charged with careless driving after leading police on a chase.
The suspect then attacked two more officers, causing one to fire, although no one was injured.
Jimenez then sped south before crashing into another car at the intersection.
He, his passenger and two officers were treated for minor injuries in the crash.
The motorist is charged with battery with a deadly weapon, criminal recklessness and careless driving.
The officer who fired the weapon has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation, in accordance with standard procedure.
Several more drivers were charged with violations and other vehicles were towed, but criminal arrests have now been made.
“They (happen) illegally. They don’t have permits. They do not have the authority to conduct such events. They do not have the appropriate licenses and permits for this. They are illegally blocking traffic and occupying private property that they do not have permission to enter.”
Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police President Rick Snyder also issued a statement.
“Indianapolis residents and visitors awoke to yet another brutal attack on police,” he said.
“We are grateful that these injured officers were able to be treated and released. Attacks on the women and men who serve in our capital in police uniform are becoming more frequent and violent.
“Officers face deadly threats from cars, knives, firearms and other improvised weapons.
“We call on the Marion County District Attorney to speak out publicly, condemn these attacks, and demonstrate a commitment to bringing these violent criminals to justice to the fullest extent of the law.
“Residents are beginning to realize that their community and police are under attack by offenders who have no fear of accountability from the Marion County criminal justice system.”
IMPD has been involved in multiple seizures this year and has so far made over 40 arrests and seized 80 stolen vehicles.
“You will be arrested. They need to know this. They will be held accountable,” Lewis said.