By Joanna Putman
Police1
CLEVELAND — Newly released video footage shows a chaotic street takeover in Cleveland where an angry crowd swarmed and jumped on a police car while drivers performed stunts nearby, FOX 8 reported.
Spectators can be seen recording the scene on their phones and obstructing an officer’s vehicle as he attempted to stop the takeover, according to the report. Despite the officer’s demands for the crowd to move, people continued to jump on and pound the cruiser.
“I got people jumping on my car. Get me cars up here now,” an officer can be heard saying.
The takeover on the last weekend of September caused widespread disruption, tying up major intersections, according to the report. Several 911 calls from drivers pleaded for police assistance, with some complaining about a lack of visible response.
The Cleveland City Council has proposed a new ordinance that would align with a recently passed state law, imposing penalties of up to six months in jail and fines of up to $1,000 for stunt drivers and their accomplices. Council members are also considering allowing the city to seize car parts, such as wheels and mufflers, from vehicles involved in the illegal activity, according to the report.
The Cleveland PD has also established a task force to investigate the takeovers.
