Mass. legislator files bill to crack down on explosion of violent street takeovers
After four street "takeovers" across Massachusetts resulted in violence, another piece of legislation has been filed to address the conduct, according to a Wednesday filing by Rep. Christopher Markey, D-9th Bristol.
The street takeovers — in Boston, Randolph, Middleborough and Fall River over the span of just over three hours — led to violent confrontations, with a police cruiser catching on fire from fireworks in Boston and a Dodge Charger driving at an officer in Middleborough.
As part of the legislation, people who take part in street takeovers where two or more vehicles act in a "reckless or negligent manner" that don't allow other vehicles to get by could be sent to prison for no more than two and a half years and fined no more than $2,000, according to the bill. Cars used during a street takeover could also be seized.
Others, who are masked and "disorderly" during the street takeovers, could be go to prison for up to one year or fined up to $500 or both, according to the legislation.
Markey didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Officials said the four were coordinated efforts that start online on various platforms and are intended to overwhelm law enforcement with large, unruly crowds.
The takeovers have surged across the state over the past six months, Michael Bradley, the executive director of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, told MassLive .
State Rep. Steven Xiarhos , a former Cape Cod police officer, said earlier this week that he's filing two bills to tackle the growing social media-fueled phenomenon of street takeovers .
The first would boost the penalty for assaulting a police officer from the current misdemeanor in most cases to a felony.
The second is based on existing law in Florida . That statute, enacted in 2022, prohibits street takeovers and punishes spectators and participants.
Other states have also filed laws addressing street takeovers, including Connecticut, New York, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Street "takeovers"
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