Street Takeovers: Houston, State Law Enforcement Warns of Illegal Activities

HOUSTON. Street occupants continue to be a problem not only in the Houston area, but throughout the state.

Officials said the groups often travel to host such events. On Thursday, local and state law enforcement came together to send a message to those taking part in these illegal rallies.

They said that these occupations of streets and parking lots are not only dangerous, but also create other problems.

“Some of the stolen cars and weapons were found, as well as drugs. There are also many cases of drunk driving,” Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. “There is also damage to property.

In 2020, the Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety created the Traffic Crime Task Force to combat street occupants.

So far, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said there were about a thousand racing cases filed in 2021. But the problem has not disappeared. Law enforcement officials said that social networks make such events more attractive.

“Most of these Houston groups are temporary visitors, they are not local Houstonians. They go everywhere. Many of those who were in Austin were from Houston, these are temporary groups,” said DPS regional director Gerald Brown.

Law enforcement officials said the events were not easy to trace.

“These meetings can develop within two minutes on social media, and it’s hard to predict where they’ll be by design,” said Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

The authorities are asking parents to take steps to ensure that their children do not participate in such activities.

“Parents, whether it’s the apps you can use to track your child’s activity — how fast they drive, where they drive in those cars. Whether it’s not giving them access to these types of vehicles,” said HPD chief executive Matt Slinkard.

DA Ogg has warned that there will be repercussions for those involved in the street takeovers.

“If you insist on taking our streets, we will take your cars,” Ogg said.

If you find yourself in the middle of one of these seizures, officials advise you to lock your doors, roll up your windows, and call 911.

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