An illegal road takeover in Indiana attracted more than 500 cars – some doing dangerous stunts while people hung out of windows – and ended with gunfire as police tried to break up the gathering.
Shocking footage shows the chaos unfolding in Indianapolis, where such takeovers are increasing at a worrying rate. Unauthorized events include blocking roads with cars and performing tricks.
Over the weekend, the meeting in Indianapolis drew cars from five states and videos show the huge crowd in a parking lot watching the stunts.
Police attempted to stop the gathering, but a car chase ensued that ended with an officer firing shots and two police officers being injured.
“It's undesirable to the community and a very dangerous activity,” Indianapolis Northwest District Police Chief Lorenzo Lewis said of the surge in takeovers.
Police in Indiana were called to help prevent a massive illegal takeover that attracted 500 cars from five states
Video showed drivers performing dangerous stunts while people hung out of windows
Videos of the incident released by police showed the drivers' enormous size and dangerous stunts – often people hanging out of windows or women twerking while cars did donuts.
Smoke could be seen rising around tires as cars screeched across the road.
Police said riders traveled to the event from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Vermont. According to police, officers initially turned drivers away from Research Drive, but motorists used social media to set up new locations Saturday into Sunday.
The situation escalated around midnight as officers worked to clear a parking lot in the 2800 block of Lafayette Road where several vehicles were driving dangerously, Fox 59 reports.
A police officer said when he arrived he heard “multiple” gunshots.
Police identified a vehicle driven by 23-year-old Sebastian Jimenez, who they said failed to stop. While the police gave chase, Jimenez fled into a dead end in the parking lot. There he made a U-turn and rammed a police car head-on.
Sebastian Jimenez, 23, was charged with a number of counts of reckless driving after leading police on a chase
Two police officers confronted the car, one officer fired his weapon – but no one was injured in the shooting.
Jimenez then sped south before crashing into another vehicle at an intersection.
He and his passenger, as well as two officers involved in the incident, were treated for minor injuries.
Jimenez has since been charged with assault with a deadly weapon, criminal recklessness and reckless driving.
The unnamed officer who fired his weapon has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation, which is standard procedure.
Several other drivers were cited for misdemeanors and other vehicles were towed, but more criminal arrests have now been made, police said.
Police said riders traveled to the event from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Vermont
The incident has left Indianapolis police frustrated with the increasing number of street takeovers.
“They’re happening illegally,” Lewis said. “They don’t have permits.” They don’t have permission to hold these events. You do not have the appropriate licenses or permissions to do so. They are illegally blocking traffic and taking over private properties for which they do not have a residence permit.”
Rick Snyder, president of the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police, also issued a statement.
“Indianapolis residents and visitors are waking up to another violent attack on police,” he said.
“We are grateful that these injured officers were treated and released.” The number and severity of attacks on women and men who serve our capital in police uniforms are increasing.
“Officers face deadly threats from cars, knives, guns and other improvised weapons.”
“We call on the Marion County District Attorney to speak out publicly, condemn such attacks and demonstrate a commitment to holding these violent perpetrators accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Residents are increasingly aware that their community and the police department are under attack by criminals who are unafraid to be held accountable by Marion County’s criminal justice system.”
Indianapolis police have been called to several takeovers this year and have so far arrested over 40 people and seized 80 stolen vehicles.
“You will be arrested.” They need to know that. “They will be held accountable,” Lewis said.