No arrests were made after drivers swarmed an intersection in south Denver late Friday night for an “illegal street takeover,” according to the police department.
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Videos shared by neighbors on social media appeared to show cars doing donuts and fireworks exploding in the air as people ran between the vehicles in the intersection. Tires can be heard squealing as onlookers gasp. One video appeared to show a larger fire that started in the middle of the intersection.
Denver officers were first alerted to the takeover at Broadway and Mississippi Avenue shortly before midnight on Friday, Denver police spokesperson Doug Schepman said in an email to The Denver Post. Officers arrived on scene roughly 18 minutes later, at 12:16 a.m. Saturday, and “cleared the area using the lights and sirens on their patrol cars,” he said.
“The reckless driving and blocking of an intersection seen in the videos are incredibly dangerous and concerning,” Schepman said.
The officers’ response times were likely delayed by higher-priority calls in the area, Schepman said. No citations were issued, and no arrests were made, he said.
Officers focused on clearing the area instead of attempting to stop drivers, “given the challenge and officer safety aspects of that environment and group size,” Schepman said.
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Schepman said the Denver Police Department has conducted regular street racing operations for several years. The goal is to prevent street racing and arrest those involved, he said.
“Street racing is not only dangerous for the involved drivers but also creates the potential to harm or kill others who are not involved,” Schepman said.
Drivers can face jail time and court costs, and may have their vehicle seized under Denver’s Public Nuisance Abatement ordinance, he said.
So far this year, the street racing enforcement team has arrested 59 drivers, cited another 289 and impounded 44 vehicles, according to data provided by Schepman. Five of those vehicles were impounded just last weekend, three of which were involved in “speed exhibitions,” Schepman said.
Street racers and planned street racing events can be reported at ReportStreetRacing.com or to the Denver Police Department at 720-913-2000.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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