7 citations, 1 vehicle towed after several weekend street takeovers; neighbors frustrated
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Another weekend of street takeovers has neighbors on edge after busy intersections were shut down by reckless drivers.
MPD responded to many of them, but many people are still frustrated they keep happening.
On Saturday night, April 25, there were several incidents throughout the area, including in Bay View, Glendale, and on Milwaukee's north side.
The videos show fireworks exploding, cars doing donuts, people hanging out of windows.
But in a city battling often-deadly reckless driving, people are not amused.
Mary Richter has seen several takeovers at 91st and Mill near her home. Richter told us, "This is at least the fourth time."
Richter heard the takeover before she saw it. On Saturday night, at about 11:25 p.m., dozens of cars swarmed the intersection.
She filmed people shooting off fireworks and cars doing donuts. "I know the gray car that was spinning," she said. "They were hanging out their car, it looked like."
They were mostly young people, and Richter said, "I would hope that if there are other parents out there, they reach out to their kids and explain the things that could happen."
They left almost as quickly as they arrived.
A short time later, there was another takeover in Bay View at Lincoln and Kinnickinnic.
Nicole Mattson was trying to get home.
She told us, "It was very scary getting off the bus and trying to cross the road safely."
Mattson estimated there were more than 100 cars. She was on foot, trying to transfer from one bus to another.
"I didn't know if they were going to come onto the sidewalk," she said. "Or if there was going to be any higher violence, like with guns."
MPD told us they responded to Bay View four minutes after being called. One vehicle was towed. They wrote seven tickets.
A nearby house caught fire that night. Bay View Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic said on social media the fire department is investigating whether there is a connection.
While many people want more done, MPD has told us repeatedly it's a challenge when the groups move so quickly and when responding officers are so outnumbered.
Police monitor social media channels for any word of takeovers, but messages often spread through private groups. And when police do respond, the takeovers often scatter and move elsewhere.
Richter said, "When someone gets buried because of it, then… it needs to stop, really."
There was another takeover just minutes after midnight, in Glendale at Port Washington and Silver Spring.
Glendale police chased a driver and arrested a 20-year-old from Illinois for fleeing and recklessly endangering safety.
Glendale Mayor Bryan Kennedy wrote on social media, "You are putting lives in danger, including your own, and you will be held accountable."