Street Takeovers

If you see a street takeover in progress call 911

What is a street takeover?

A street takeover is an event where a group of individuals gather using motor vehicles to engage in reckless and dangerous activities. These events can, and have, involved blocking intersections for spectators to watch vehicles race and/or perform acts of reckless driving posing risks to public safety.

Have existed for many years but there has been a significant increase in sideshow/takeover events in the United States since 2022, post-pandemic.
They occur with little notice producing large crowds and create risks to the public and law enforcement.
Some of the events coincide with organized special events where large groups form then congregate in other areas.
There have been fifty-two known meets as of May 5th, 2025, in Milwaukee area resulting in illegal street racing, takeover/sideshows confirmed by police calls for service, community partners, outside law enforcement agencies, and citizens notifying the police department when events take place.

Why are they a problem?

Pose risk to public, attendees/participants, and law enforcement/first responders

Reckless/dangerous maneuvers performed in uncontrolled areas with large amounts of spectators in close proximity
Some attendees known/suspected to attend while in unlawful possession and/or discharging firearms
Fires ignited in center of “the pit”
Discharging fireworks at or from vehicles
Attendees swarming responding squads
In some cases attendees have attacked citizens/vehicles passing by
Create delayed first responder responses
Draw large crowds where individuals feel a sense of anonymity to engage in other behaviors. Potential for “flash mobs” to assemble
Pose a risk to private/public property and critical infrastructure
Some participants known/suspected to be using stolen motor vehicles and/or parts
Likely unreported crime incidents and additional suspected criminal activity at events
Noise nuisance
Traffic congestion

report preplanned street takeovers to ifc@milwaukee.gov.

Busted

Recently, the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) arrested Ricky Alcantara-Hernandez for instigating and organizing street takeover events that occurred in the City of Milwaukee on April 25 – April 26, 2026. Street takeovers are reckless, dangerous, and put residents and participants at risk of injury or death. They incite fear and chaos in the communities they disrupt, and they negatively affect the quality of life of those living in neighborhoods where these dangerous events occur.

On Sunday, May 3, 2026, the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office charged Alcantara-Hernandez with three counts of First Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety – PTAC, as Party to a Crime, and Sell/Possess/Use/Transport Machine Gun. If convicted can face up to 43 years, 6 months in prison and fined up to $ 85,000.

“The Milwaukee Police Department prioritizes enforcement for street takeovers in our city and is committed to ongoing investigations even after these events occur”, said Chief Jeffrey Norman. “If you participate, plan or spectate these events for enjoyment, you are endangering the safety of others. Those who cause harm to our community will be held accountable.”

If you have any information about planned street takeover events, please report this information to MPD at IFC@milwaukee.gov.

Press Release

Criminal Complaint