Suffolk police say positive progress made in street takeover crackdown
Between Thanksgiving and Sunday, the Suffolk Street Takeover Task Force issued 129 summonses.
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Hundreds of people watched a dangerous street takeover near Sunrise Highway Service Road and Commack Road in Islip last year, an event that led to several crashes and left two officers injured. In response, Suffolk County launched a countywide crackdown.
Police now say it’s working.
Between Thanksgiving and Sunday, the Suffolk Street Takeover Task Force issued 129 summonses, impounded three vehicles, broke up two car meets and made three arrests. Police say the enforcement is aimed at reckless driving and illegal takeovers like the ones that prompted the task force’s creation last year.
Since then, police say they have broken up 91 takeovers, issued more than 8,000 tickets, made 59 arrests and seized 97 cars.
Lawmakers are pushing for tougher penalties at the state level. The proposal, known as Brendon’s Law, is named after Suffolk Police Officer Brendon Gallagher, who was nearly killed when a driver slammed into his cruiser at more than 100 mph.
“Many of the individuals involved already have suspended licenses… and they don’t really seem to mind,” said state Sen. Anthony Palumbo.
Palumbo says Brendon’s Law would also give police more power to seize vehicles used in street takeovers.
