Cleveland police addressed the situation during a press conference late Sunday morning. We learned crowds of cars, some doing stunts, tied up multiple locations during the overnight hours:. The street takeovers have been a problem all summer. It started months ago when a crowd of cars took over Playhouse Square and drove in circles around a fire underneath the chandelier. During the press conference Sunday, Chief of Police Dorothy Todd, said the groups causing the chaos are comprised of local people and those coming from other cities, including Cincinnati.
Police learned late Saturday evening from an Instagram post about the possibility of the street takeover. Todd said they immediately started investigating the validity of the post and prepared officers to be on the lookout for suspicious activity. Officers responded to several locations and attempted to stop the activity which included cars spinning in intersections Todd said.
At least one officer was struck by someone firing an airsoft gun, and citizens reported having firearms pointed at them, Todd said. Fireworks were also set off. There were no reports of serious injuries or damage to property. Wilfredo Diaz, the public information officer with Cleveland Division of Police, told the I-team that arrests were made at various locations, but police are still trying to determine who and if they are connected to the incidents.
These are felony crimes. Todd said the groups are communicating through locked social media accounts about where to meet, and sharing the location of law enforcement as well.
Many of those involved have been wearing masks and using fake license plates, making it harder for identification purposes. State and federal resources will be used as well. Browns and Raiders in similar spots heading into Sunday game.
