Motorcyclists Stage Street Takeover in Queens, Echoing Prior Event
A group of motorcyclists disrupted a Queens intersection with a street takeover, mirroring a similar incident at the same location five months prior.
A street takeover involving a group of motorcyclists occurred Friday night at the intersection of 69th Street and Eliot Avenue in Middle Village, Queens. The incident saw participants revving engines, performing burnouts, and creating smoke, disrupting traffic including a city bus.
City Councilman Phil Wong shared footage of the event on X, formerly Twitter, stating that officers from the 104th Precinct responded quickly. According to Wong, by the time officers arrived, the group had dispersed, and the information was relayed citywide.
This event echoes a larger street takeover that took place at the same intersection on April 18. That earlier incident involved over 100 vehicles, with cars engaging in street stunts and tire-burning. During that event, one individual was observed waving a Palestinian flag and narrowly missed colliding with bystanders. The NYPD arrested 22-year-old Asil Assaidi in connection with the April takeover, charging him with reckless endangerment, riot, and criminal mischief, among other offenses. Assaidi is scheduled to return to court on October 19.
Similar unauthorized vehicle gatherings have occurred elsewhere in the city. In May, seven individuals were arrested following an early morning car meet-up in The Bronx's Eastchester section, prompted by reports of drag racing and unruly behavior. Last November, 19-year-old Justin Aguilera was charged with gang assault, riot, and trespassing in connection with a street corner incident in Malba, Queens, where a car was set on fire and bystanders were attacked. Prosecutors alleged Aguilera was part of a group that assaulted a homeowner and his wife.