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Charlotte’s Policing Efforts Ramp Up Against Street Takeovers

Charlotte police managing a street takeover situation

News Summary

Charlotte is intensifying its policing efforts against street takeovers, which have resulted in chaos and violence. The CMPD is using social media to identify suspects, leading to arrests and increased community involvement to restore safety.

Charlotte’s Policing Efforts Ramp Up Against Street Takeovers

The vibrant city of Charlotte is witnessing a significant push from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) to tackle the disruptive trend of street takeovers. These illegal gatherings, which see cars and motorcycles perform dangerous stunts on public roads, are becoming a growing concern for both residents and law enforcement.

Targeting the Troublemakers

In a recent crackdown, CMPD has made strides in using social media—particularly Instagram—to identify and apprehend those behind organizing these events. Investigators have pinpointed a couple of individuals, Jonathan Hernandez, 19, and Alexander Kyere, 18, who allegedly coordinated street takeovers last month. They now face misdemeanor charges after being arrested, although they have since been released on bond.

Despite the arrest of these two, and the takedown of two Instagram accounts associated with illegal street racing, a new account, 704Meets, has emerged and continues to promote these dangerous stunts. With a following of nearly 10,000 fans, this account showcases the ongoing popularity and involvement in such unlawful activities, much to the concern of local authorities.

Violence on the Streets

One particularly alarming incident occurred on March 30, when a street takeover took place in the parking lot of a Dollar General store. This chaotic event escalated quickly, resulting in three people being shot, leaving the community shaken and angry. Local business owner Terrance Adams, who witnessed the chaos unfold, expressed relief that law enforcement is stepping in to control these increasingly violent gatherings.

Keeping the Streets Safe

Court documents reveal that Hernandez and Kyere played pivotal roles in arranging the street takeovers by promoting them with eye-catching posts on Instagram. This illegal activity has caught the attention of law enforcement, who are now employing various strategies to monitor these events proactively. Recently, the police have been prepared with officers on standby to address gatherings as they occur, preventing situations from getting out of hand.

Another street takeover, which took place from March 7 to March 9, drew an impressive crowd of about 400 vehicles. Unfortunately, this event also led to gunfire, with at least one bystander injured—thankfully, that victim is on the road to recovery.

Hard-Hitting Consequences

In response to these alarming events, CMPD made two arrests during the chaos, identifying Cortavian Winston and Ki’Juan Thompson, both from out of state. They are facing multiple charges related to participation in street takeovers, resisting arrest, and fleeing from the police, with Thompson also facing a charge for hit and run. Furthermore, the police issued 18 citations during this crackdown and seized five vehicles, including one that was reported stolen.

In light of an emerging North Carolina law, anyone caught participating in these unlawful activities faces hefty fines and the possibility of felony charges for repeat offenses, which should serve as a significant deterrent for anyone thinking about taking part in a street takeover.

Community Involvement Encouraged

As the CMPD ramps up its efforts to regain control of Charlotte’s streets, they are encouraging community members to report any instances of street takeovers they may witness. Public assistance is crucial in helping law enforcement put an end to these dangerous gatherings and restore peace to the city.

With the community’s help, and a focused effort from law enforcement, Charlotte is taking steps towards making the streets safer for everyone who calls it home. So, keep your eyes peeled and your phones ready—together, we can make a difference!