Street racers take over major intersection in Austin — Delayed response from 911 call.
Absolute chaos irrupted when several cars were shooting fireworks, doing doughnuts in the street, running red lights, and blocking traffic in a street race gathering by a car club. On Saturday night into Sunday morning, Austin police responded to four incidents of unlawful “street takeovers” and detained two individuals.
People at the scene who were calling 911 posted on social media there was a delay in getting through to the police. It was apparently reported that there has been a shortage of police in the area. This information, however, has not been verified.
One Austin Police Department officer was hurt as a result of street racing, and numerous police cars were also damaged.
The first incident took place downtown at the intersection of South Lamar Boulevard and Barton Springs Road, and videos of it quickly went viral on social media. According to the police, the initial 911 call came in about 9 p.m.
The Austin Police Department released a statement”
Austin Police Department Investigates Reckless Driving Incidents “Street Takeovers” Throughout the City. The Austin Police Department (APD) patrol units responded to several reports of people driving recklessly throughout the city on February 18, 2023.
At approximately 9:01 p.m., a caller stated five vehicles were blocking the intersection of Barton Springs Road and South Lamar Boulevard. A minute later, multiple people called 911, saying several vehicles were racing, circling the intersection, running red lights, blocking traffic, and shooting fireworks. Due to no units nearby, officers arrived at the scene at 9:23 p.m. The crowd dispersed, and officers cleared the intersection at 9:46 p.m. APD continued to monitor the Car Club as it appeared to head North.
At 10:27 p.m., an officer in the area of North Interstate 35 Service Road / East Anderson reported the car club was at this location. Multiple vehicles began to drive recklessly, blocking the intersection and driving in circles disregarding traffic laws. Officers again dispersed the crowd.
At 12:52 a.m., officers responded to the area of Berkman Drive and Barbara Jordan Boulevard due to multiple 9-1-1 calls for service. At 12:58 a.m., the first officer arrived at this location. The officers reported glass bottles being thrown and again were able to disperse the crowd at 1:07 a.m.
Chaos at Barton Springs and Lamar in #Austin. Rioters after a bunch of drifting push back police and throw fireworks at them @KXAN_News pic.twitter.com/FVMlK2S3eH
– Aaron Crews (@aaroncrews) February 19, 2023
At 1:35 a.m., 9-1-1 calls stated vehicles were blocking the Metric Boulevard/ Braker Lane intersection, making donuts, and someone starting a fire. The crowd was then dispersed at 1:56 a.m.
During these incidents, the crowd threw rocks and bottles and pointed lasers at officers. One officer sustained a non-life-threatening injury, was treated at a local hospital, and was released. Rocks and bottles were thrown at patrol vehicles causing damage. Two people were arrested for evading arrest. The investigation into this incident continues, and further charges may be filed.
The department is committed to ending this conduct. Lawbreaking in this manner will result in enforcement and arrest. Our community’s safety is the number one priority for APD.
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