News Summary
Charlotte is intensifying its policing efforts against street takeovers, which have resulted in chaos and violence. The CMPD is using social media to identify suspects, leading to arrests and increased community involvement to restore safety.
Charlotte’s Policing Efforts Ramp Up Against Street Takeovers
The vibrant city of Charlotte is witnessing a significant push from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) to tackle the disruptive trend of street takeovers. These illegal gatherings, which see cars and motorcycles perform dangerous stunts on public roads, are becoming a growing concern for both residents and law enforcement.
Targeting the Troublemakers
In a recent crackdown, CMPD has made strides in using social media—particularly Instagram—to identify and apprehend those behind organizing these events. Investigators have pinpointed a couple of individuals, Jonathan Hernandez, 19, and Alexander Kyere, 18, who allegedly coordinated street takeovers last month. They now face misdemeanor charges after being arrested, although they have since been released on bond.
Despite the arrest of these two, and the takedown of two Instagram accounts associated with illegal street racing, a new account, 704Meets, has emerged and continues to promote these dangerous stunts. With a following of nearly 10,000 fans, this account showcases the ongoing popularity and involvement in such unlawful activities, much to the concern of local authorities.
Violence on the Streets
One particularly alarming incident occurred on March 30, when a street takeover took place in the parking lot of a Dollar General store. This chaotic event escalated quickly, resulting in three people being shot, leaving the community shaken and angry. Local business owner Terrance Adams, who witnessed the chaos unfold, expressed relief that law enforcement is stepping in to control these increasingly violent gatherings.
Keeping the Streets Safe
Court documents reveal that Hernandez and Kyere played pivotal roles in arranging the street takeovers by promoting them with eye-catching posts on Instagram. This illegal activity has caught the attention of law enforcement, who are now employing various strategies to monitor these events proactively. Recently, the police have been prepared with officers on standby to address gatherings as they occur, preventing situations from getting out of hand.
Another street takeover, which took place from March 7 to March 9, drew an impressive crowd of about 400 vehicles. Unfortunately, this event also led to gunfire, with at least one bystander injured—thankfully, that victim is on the road to recovery.
Hard-Hitting Consequences
In response to these alarming events, CMPD made two arrests during the chaos, identifying Cortavian Winston and Ki’Juan Thompson, both from out of state. They are facing multiple charges related to participation in street takeovers, resisting arrest, and fleeing from the police, with Thompson also facing a charge for hit and run. Furthermore, the police issued 18 citations during this crackdown and seized five vehicles, including one that was reported stolen.
In light of an emerging North Carolina law, anyone caught participating in these unlawful activities faces hefty fines and the possibility of felony charges for repeat offenses, which should serve as a significant deterrent for anyone thinking about taking part in a street takeover.
Community Involvement Encouraged
As the CMPD ramps up its efforts to regain control of Charlotte’s streets, they are encouraging community members to report any instances of street takeovers they may witness. Public assistance is crucial in helping law enforcement put an end to these dangerous gatherings and restore peace to the city.
With the community’s help, and a focused effort from law enforcement, Charlotte is taking steps towards making the streets safer for everyone who calls it home. So, keep your eyes peeled and your phones ready—together, we can make a difference!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Northeast Charlotte Faces Turmoil After Shooting Incident
Mooresville, NC Neighborhood Faces Reckless Street Takeover
Additional Resources
- WSOC TV: CMPD Uses New Tactic to Make Street Takeover Arrests
- Charlotte Observer: Street Takeovers and Related Crimes
- WBTV: Bystander Shot During Chaotic 400-Car Charlotte Street Takeover
- QC News: Two Arrests, Several Citations After Street Takeovers
- WCCB Charlotte: Exclusive Video Shows Street Takeover
- Wikipedia: Street Racing
- Google Search: Street Takeovers Charlotte
- Google Scholar: Street Racing Law Enforcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Google News: Street Takeovers Charlotte
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
