Officials warn against street takeovers and racing

Houston and Harris County officials have warned those involved in street takeovers that they might not just go to jail — they could also lose their car.

Officials warned residents against participating in street racing or street takeovers, in which, sometimes, hundreds of people gather to watch as drivers of tricked-out, high-powered vehicles burn rubber, do donuts and sometimes set off fireworks in streets or parking lots.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, District Attorney Kim Ogg and Houston Police Assistant Chief Wyatt Martin said at a news conference Thursday that such events have become an increasing problem statewide. Gov. Greg Abbott formed a statewide task force last week to address the issue, and local officials vow to crack down on the events by impounding offenders’ cars.

Officials say these events can turn deadly. On Jan 22 in Fort Worth, two people died and two were injured in a collision while fleeing police after a street takeover. Their vehicle went airborne and struck a power pole, landing upside down before catching fire.

“Don’t do it,” Ogg said. “You will not just go to court. We will convict you, and we will take your car — if you live.”

Street and parking lot takeovers often take place in a matter of minutes, with social media driving hundreds of spectators to the impromptu events, officials said. Drivers will then perform stunts, sometimes blocking major streets and snarling traffic. Participants often flee from police when law enforcement break up the crowd.

Clips taken during the events often go viral, and betting can be involved, making takeovers lucrative for organizers, Gonzalez said. A parking lot takeover in west Houston ended in three arrests Saturday after about 200 vehicles gathered. One man was charged with child endangerment; at least one other motorist

was charged with deadly conduct.

The sheriff’s office did not impound any cars after the takeover, but Martin said local authorities could impound cars more frequently in the future.

“Sometimes jail time doesn’t seem like a deterrent to some of these participants, but losing that expensive racecar … that can at least deter them from that activity for a while,” Martin said

Martin said residents should not confront participants, honk, try to drive around them or even film them too obviously. Confrontations during these events can turn violent.

Instead, people should report any illegal street races or takeovers to 911 or crime stoppers. Martin said a great number of takeovers are stopped after tips from the public.

To prevent the takeovers, police ask parents to think twice about allowing teens to borrow high-powered vehicles — or even about buying them in the first place. Many of the participants are young, Gonzalez said, and they may not be able to control such powerful machines.

Parents can further safeguard their teens by using apps that track vehicle speed and location, knowing who their children spend time with and by watching for signs of racing, such as excessive tire wear, Gonzalez said.

“The last thing you want as a parent is one of us knocking on your door, telling you your child is in jail, or worse, the morgue,” Martin said.