Suffolk County police arrested 15 individuals and impounded seven vehicles following an alleged street takeover that disrupted a Long Island roadway early Saturday. The Suffolk County Police Department's Street Takeover Task Force became aware of the planned event through intelligence gathering and social media monitoring prior to Friday night, Aug. 14.
Investigators tracked the group as it moved through several locations across Suffolk County, an area spanning approximately 1,000 square miles. Police first intervened to break up attempted gatherings near Commack Road and Sunrise Highway in Islip, and later disrupted another near Route 112 and Main Street in Patchogue.
The primary incident occurred around 12:50 a.m. Saturday near Woodside Avenue and Sawgrass Drive in Medford. Authorities reported that numerous vehicles had effectively blocked the roadway, with drivers performing stunts, donuts, and burnouts.
Officers from the Street Takeover Task Force responded, leading to 15 arrests, the impounding of seven vehicles, and the issuance of multiple traffic tickets. The individuals arrested were from various communities on Long Island and in New York City. Fourteen of the arrested suspects face charges for both participating in and spectating an unlawful speed contest.
This incident follows a similar large-scale street takeover in Suffolk County just weeks prior. In that July Fourth weekend event, police reported that approximately 200 ATVs, dirt bikes, and motorcycles had converged on roads in Hauppauge and Brentwood, resulting in three arrests and the impounding of 10 vehicles.