Port St. Lucie - Tuesday May 21, 2024: Port St. Lucie Police (PSLPD) showed-up at an illegal 'street takeover' in and around the intersection of Glades Cutoff and Midway Roads on Saturday night.
In all about 100 vehicles turned-out for the event in, and around the intersection, just east of I-95. Posts on social media tipped off the authorities and police increased their presence in the area in anticipation.
Officers conducted 24 traffic stops, issued 30 citations, and arrested 4 drivers on charges including, engaging in a street takeover, reckless driving, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
“Street takeover events are dangerous, illegal, and will not be tolerated in our city," said Police Chief Richard Del Toro. "PSLPD is committed to keeping our community safe and will continue to arrest those individuals who participate in these events.”
Street takeovers involve mostly young drivers, in souped-up, high-performance vehicles, who take-over a street and engage in dangerous, reckless driving stunts like drifting, burnouts, donuts, and drag racing.
Drifting: When a driver intentionally over-steers, with loss of traction, but manages to maintain control while driving a vehicle around a corner or turn.
Burnouts: The practice of keeping a vehicle stationary and spinning its wheels, the resultant friction causing the tires to heat up and smoke.
Donuts: Spinning a vehicle around in circles in a parking lot or other paved area.