Gov. Abbott launches task force to take over streets across the state

AUSTIN, Texas. In light of the recent “street takeovers” that have led to multiple arrests and viral social media videos, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has created a statewide task force to crack down on these events.

According to press release from the Abbott office, he directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to deal with recent street occupants in several communities, which he said have become “increasingly violent and more frequent, resulting in injury to law enforcement and endangering the public.” Abbott said a clear signal needed to be sent “that these reckless, coordinated criminal activities will not be tolerated in Texas.”

Abbott said the task force will work closely with local authorities and law enforcement to investigate, prosecute and prevent these dangerous street takeovers.

The creation of this task force comes after seven people were arrested in street takeovers in the Austin area that garnered millions of views on social media. A Dallas man was among those arrested in connection with the Austin Street takeover.

On New Year’s Eve last year, videos and photos of a street takeover in Grapevine surfaced. The accused leader of the Grapevine Street takeover was arrested on February 21 by Sweetwater police.

“These street takeovers are putting the lives of Texans and Texas law enforcement at risk,” said DPS Director Stephen McCraw. “We see fireworks firing at officers in the crowd, lasers aimed at aircraft, drivers moving at over 130 mph with their lights off in the dark of the night – all of this is reckless and needs to be stopped.”

An eyewitness video of the Austin street takeover, obtained by KVUE, shows cars spinning in circles, crowds of people running into police cars and setting off fireworks.

In January, several cars blocked Interstate 10 near San Antonio as drivers ate donuts. Witnesses told KENS that at least one person fired a pistol into the air. Then, a couple of weeks later, an 18-year-old was gunned down after a car encounter on the West Side, according to KENS.

The newly created task force will be led by members of DPS Criminal Investigations, Texas Highway Patrol, Air Operations and Intelligence and Counterterrorism, who will work in conjunction with local law enforcement across the state, Abbott’s office said in a press release. The task force will focus on state-level investigations that target the street occupancy aspect of organized crime to make arrests and confiscate assets, including vehicles and weapons, the release said.

The DPS is also reminding the public to report any suspicious activity when it comes to possible street takeovers through iWatchTexas. Tips can be reported via the website, the free mobile app for iOS or Android, or by calling (844) 643-2251. All reports are confidential.