Multiple parts of Austin devolved into chaos Saturday night as intersections fell victim to what the Austin Police Department describes as “street takeovers.”
The first reports to 911 came in just after 9:00 p.m. when a caller said there were five vehicles blocking the intersection of Barton Springs and South Lamar. The caller then told police several vehicles were “racing, circling the intersection, running red lights, blocking traffic, and shooting fireworks.” Officers were finally able to clear the crowd just after 9:46 p.m.
At 10:27 p.m., an officer reported another sighting of cars blocking an intersection at I-35 and East Anderson Lane.
At 12:52 a.m., officers responded to the area of Berkman Drive and Barbara Jordan Boulevard due to multiple 9-1-1 calls for service. The officers reported glass bottles being thrown and again were able to disperse the crowd at 1:07 a.m.
At 1:35 a.m., 9-1-1 calls stated vehicles were blocking the Metric Boulevard/ Braker Lane intersection, doing donuts, and someone starting a fire. The crowd was then dispersed at 1:56 a.m.
During these incidents, the crowd threw rocks and bottles and pointed lasers at officers, APD said. One officer sustained a non-life-threatening injury, was treated at a local hospital, and was released. Rocks and bottles were thrown at patrol vehicles causing damage.
Two people were arrested for evading arrest. The investigation continues, and further charges may be filed.
