IMPD continues crackdown on illegal street takeovers in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS — Cracking down on reckless driving and illegal street takeovers remains a top priority for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

Over the weekend, IMPD officers made arrests stemming from three major street takeovers. Throughout the span of several hours Saturday night into Sunday morning, seven people were arrested, seven cars were towed and 22 citations were issued throughout the city.

Police reported that 60 cars gathered in the parking lot of the Pyramids along North Michigan Road, while another 30 cars blocked the intersection at 34th and Moller and a third large gathering disrupted the area around 56th Street and Allisonville Road.

IMPD said the crackdowns are a part of a year-long effort.

“We have absolutely made this a priority,” said IMPD Officer Tommy Thompson. “We continue to go after these individuals committing this reckless activity and taking over streets.”

IMPD has now posted on their Facebook account about street takeover busts 10 times this year, starting back in April. Over six months from April to September, police announced nearly 70 arrests, issued more than 250 citations, impounded over 30 cars and seized numerous guns.

Police insist the busts have been effective and are a result of citizens demanding action.

“These community members have asked and pleaded with IMPD to continue to do something,” said Thompson.

IMPD Chief Chris Bailey also said he hopes to get help from the Indiana statehouse to implement tougher penalties for reckless driving and maybe even allow for the destruction of some vehicles.

“If they don’t have a vehicle, they can’t commit these crimes. Maybe that’s what needs to happen,” said Thompson. “Maybe there is a repercussion because when they go to jail, they can be right back out on a bond.”

Court records show Daron Dinkins, Avery Stader, Bryan Diaz, Zachary Brooks, Robert Drummer, Lincoln Alphonse and Fernando Arjona were arrested or charged in connection with the weekend busts.

Three of the suspects were given $500 cash bond and were quickly released from jail.

According to an affidavit filed against Arjona, he used a speaker and encouraged others at one of the takeovers to damage an IMPD squad car. The officer fled the scene to avoid having his squad car damaged.

Whether or not lawmakers get involved, IMPD promises to continue to target street takeovers for the foreseeable future.

“This is a very dangerous activity, and it puts the community at risk. We’ll continue to work on it,” said Thompson.