CLEVELAND — Cleveland’s police chief, Dorothy Todd, was in the hot seat Wednesday and answered questions about why more wasn’t being done to prevent a string of street takeovers on Saturday night.

What You Need To Know

  • Cleveland’s police chief answered questions Wednesday about why more wasn’t being done to prevent a string of street takeovers on Saturday night

  • Cleveland police said the group behind the street takeovers terrified drivers and shot off fireworks and airsoft pistols

  • City council members like Joseph Jones said they want answers about preventing situations like this and protecting the streets
  • Police Chief Dorothy Todd said the police department is taking action

This weekend’s street takeovers hit more than a half-dozen locations. This wasn’t just about blocking the roads. Cleveland police said the group terrified drivers and shot off fireworks and airsoft pistols.

City council members like Joseph Jones said they want answers about preventing situations like this and protecting the streets.

“You can’t come over into our city and have this foolishness happen,” he said.

Todd said the police department is taking action.

“We are not doing, just sitting back and doing nothing with this," she said. "This is a priority for the Division of Police, this is a priority for the city and for the mayor."  

Street takeovers are nothing new to Cleveland, and they have been popping up across the state of Ohio.

House Bill 56 looks to increase penalties for street takeovers, reckless driving and running from law enforcement. The bill would also add stunt driving to the definition of street racing.

Cleveland police said this is something that’s been happening nationally and it all starts on social media. If it becomes law, House Bill 56 would make these crimes a first-degree misdemeanor carrying up to a three year driver's license suspension.