CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago residents and community advocates are pressing city officials to respond more aggressively after multiple street takeovers were reported across the city over the holiday weekend.
The incidents unfolded in several neighborhoods, adding to what residents describe as an ongoing summer problem. On the South Side, one takeover near Lake Shore Drive and Jeffrey featured a large ring of fire as crowds gathered around. By Sunday, the damage was still apparent, with tire marks left across nearby roadways.
Community activist Raul Montes warned that the gatherings create serious risks for anyone in the area.
“Just a multitude of people, cars, reckless driving revving up their vehicles doing donuts. I mean people are at risk,” Montes said.
Video also showed similar scenes near 18th Street and Canal Street and near 47th Street and California Avenue. At those locations, crowds shut down streets as drivers moved through intersections, adding to concerns about public safety.
Chicago police were contacted for details about the incidents but could not provide information on possible arrests or other developments.
Residents living near the affected areas said the repeated disruptions have become a persistent problem.
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“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.
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