CLEVELAND — Cleveland police have released 11 photos of vehicles and people they say are from street takeovers last weekend.
The takeovers took place on Sept. 29.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, Cleveland police hope these snapshots get people talking.
“They’re from different angles so some stick out a little easier,” Cleveland Police Sergeant Wilfredo Diaz said. One that stands out the most [is] a pink and green Dodge Charger.
It’s among the 11 photos from Cleveland’s Real Time Crime Center released by police Friday.
Most of the cars are white, silver, or black Dodge Chargers. There’s also a white Ford F-250.
“I wouldn't say that these are the most egregious. I think to us we’re equally looking at everyone involved and trying to decipher and determine the extent of their involvement,” Diaz said.
Other photos released by police show people, some with masks, which may be a challenge for police.
“But someone out there knows who these folks are, someone out there can recognize the mask and recognize clothing description,” Diaz said.
News 5 Investigators showed how car meets and takeovers have been a weekend pastime for months in Cleveland.
Police chief speaks one one-on-one with News 5 Investigators.
But the citywide takeover last Sunday was next level.
One of them happened on I-90 and involved a party bus being overtaken by a masked mob.
“We just had people shooting at us on the highway. You need to get units out there immediately,” one 911 caller said.
There were at least 16 locations back to back in three police districts.
Intersections were shut down and police took on airsoft gun BBs.
An off-duty Parma officer was beaten in the street, and a party bus attacked on Interstate 90.
Some of the terrifying moments were captured on 911 calls.
“They tried to pull this guy out of the bus so they’re getting violent,” a caller said.
During a hearing Wednesday, the city council demanded answers from top brass about the response and the plan moving forward.
Council President Blaine Griffin says he’s heard from residents and business owners who told him they’re leaving Cleveland.
He’s calling for police to make a plan.
“What are we doing with some of this nuisance crime where these folks have reckless disregard stopping ambulances charging people to get through what are we doing to hold people accountable I understand and I support completely constitutional policing however our citizens are irate,” Griffin said.
Police Chief Annie Todd revealed they launched a task force with its sole job being the takeovers.
Chief Todd announces task force.
Todd says investigators would backtrack to look for the cars before drivers removed license plates to hide identities.
As for whether intel shows any similar takeovers coming down the pike this weekend, police couldn’t say. But they’ll be watching.
“Absolutely, we’re keeping an eye on the hotspots we’re monitoring closely so don’t come out,” Diaz said.
News 5 Investigators obtained new footage from Real Time Crime Cameras in Ohio City.
The video is of West 25th and Lorain from the Sept. 15 street takeover, where cars did donuts in the middle of the intersection.
After an ambulance squeezes by, a guy continues dumping gasoline in a circle.
Then someone lights it up with two guys standing in the middle of the fire ring, recording all of it.
The fire is out by the time police and a fire truck roll up.
Police arrested an 18-year-old from Akron, and they still have a warrant out for a 20-year-old from Barberton.
Police say they’re already vetting tips from the pictures they released today and want your help finding who is behind the takeovers.
Check the images below and reach out to the police at 216-623-5474 if you recognize any of the vehicles or individuals.
The city recently announced the formation of a task force to counter these street takeovers.
Two nights ago, police began issuing citations and towing cars.
