Danbury Mayor Says We’re Not Going to Put Up With Street Takeovers

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On Sunday morning, Danbury Police responded to a street takeover in the area of Miry Brook Road and Sugar Hollow Road. A large number of vehicles were blocking intersections and numerous cars were driving recklessly. Connecticut State Police, New York State Police and Ridgefield Police all responded to assist. Upon arrival, all vehicles left the scene. The incident is still under investigation. These types of gatherings are disruptive and dangerous to motorists, pedestrians, as well as those who participate. The Danbury Police Department will work with our partners and take the necessary measures to prevent these types of activities on our streets.

We asked Danbury Mayor Dean Esposito about the "Street Takeover" when he joined us on the Thursday (9/28/23) edition of the I-95 Morning Show.

We just got a press release from the Danbury PD saying they are launching an investigation into a street takeover that took place this past weekend, I think it was the Sugar Hollow, Miry Brook Road area. How big of a problem is this? We know it's become an issue around the State of CT, are you concerned about it here in Danbury?

Mayor: " A little bit Lou, I'm concerned about the fact that people think they can just stop and hold up traffic and do what they gotta do. I don't know if it's young people, old people, I guess it's all different types of people that are doing this but the reality is that holds up our traffic flow and the main concern is emergency vehicles getting to where they've got to be. We're not going to put up with it, I'll tell you right now the City of Danbury is not going to put up with that type of situation. The Danbury Police Department and our Chief have been right on top of it. What we usually do is get to the location and start taking videos of everyone there. Every car, every license plate, you don't have to chase them down the highway at a hundred miles an hour anymore you just get the video of their car and license plate and then go to their house and call them out on it. That type of scenario, we really don't need it here in Danbury, I know it's been throughout the State of CT and a lot of the larger cities are getting hit with that as well. We're not going to put up with it, we're going to take every action we have by law to disperse these people when they do that. In all honesty there is a 1-800 number to call if you see something like that, it actually says 1-800-CALL-FBI so this is a serious issue." 

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We also talked about what you should do if you find yourself stuck in a street takeover and a new law CT just passed pertaining to firearms at street takeovers. You can hear the rest of that chat below. 

Street takeovers were not the only item on our agenda we spoke to the Mayor about the Irish Fest and a party we recently attended with the Mayor. You can listen to the full unedited interview below. 

This is video of a wild street takeover in Meriden from WFSB.

What Should I Do if I'm caught in a Street Takeover?

The Connecticut State Police say the FBI has launched a tip-website that witnesses can use should they encounter a street takeover. In addition to tipping off the authorities, CSP says:

"If you come across a street racing area, stop, turn around and find an alternate route. Do not approach the individuals and call 9-1-1 immediately. These groups are extremely dangerous. Perpetrators that violate the laws and cause these dangerous situations or those that are active participants will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. If you witness any crimes or have evidence that a crime is or was being committed, please contact your local law enforcement agency to hand over evidence to detectives. Parents should be aware that a majority of the spectators are high school teenagers and conversations should be had to discuss the inherent dangers and consequences of these activities." 

P.S. This type of behavior can be prevented but we're not willing to do the work as a society. I'm sorry that I'm about to sound like the old man yelling at clouds but someone needs to say it. The kids today have figured out there are no real consequences for them if they do wrong. What did we expect when we told them every single feeling they have is valid? What did we expect when we told them everyone is a winner?