29-04-2025
Is a summer of street takeovers ahead for Chicago?
CHICAGO (WGN) — As summer approaches, street takeovers are popping up again in Chicago. Cars congregate at various intersections across the city, doing donuts or 'drifting,' as large groups of spectators form a circle around or in the middle of the vehicles.
Last month, at Fullerton and Cannon Drive near the Lincoln Park Zoo, a group of cars gathered and took over the intersection. Video obtained by WGN Investigates through a Freedom of Information request, shows a scene unfold on March 5 around 1:20 a.m. with drivers drifting and spinning donuts. Then a caravan of cars and spectators join in at one point, pouring kerosene on the ground lighting a ring of fire.
Chicago police responded and used stop sticks to disable several cars. Police arrested two people at the scene for reckless driving.
Previous Coverage: 15-year-old boy shot during teen takeover in Streeterville
There have been takeover events that have ended much worse.
In October 2022, five people were shot and three killed at a street takeover in Brighton Park.
Just two months before that, Chicago Police came under attack trying to break up an gathering at Cermak and the Chicago River.
On May 5 of 2024, 20-year-old Guillermo Caballero was killed at a drifting event in Gage Park near the corner of 59th and Western. His family believes he was trying to get home through the crowded intersection when he was shot multiple times through his windshield.
From the Achieves: Driver killed in weekend 'street takeover' may not have been participant, alderman says
Two years ago, the city installed speed bumps and barricades at Lower Columbus Drive and South Water Street to prevent drifting takeovers there.
And in July 2022, city council passed an ordinance that allows Chicago Police to impound vehicles involved in these events, and impose a $5,000 to $10,000 fine.
WGN Investigates: Investigating public corruption, crime & fraud
Chicago police also created a street takeover task force.
In cases like the takeover in Lincoln Park, arrests are made, but offenders are charged with misdemeanors.
Some city aldermen would also like to see those charges elevated.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
