COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant released a statement Thursday regarding a street takeover event that took place in north Columbus last Saturday.
Officers were called to the 4100 block of Indianola Avenue around 11 p.m. following reports of approximately 100 vehicles involved in a street race.
At the scene, officers observed not only drag racers but also several individuals congregated in the middle of Indianola Avenue watching the races. Police said some of those individuals were stopping other vehicles and vandalizing them.
When officers attempted to disperse the group, shots were fired in the direction of the officers.
Columbus police said no officers or other bystanders were struck by gunfire. Officers told 10TV that they never fired shots back at the group.
Police initially said the incident was street racing, but later clarified that the people involved were participating in a street takeover, which involves blocking off areas of the road to perform stunts.
Bryant’s statement said in part, “We are relentlessly working to identify and apprehend those responsible. The Columbus Division of Police demands that our officers perform in an exemplary manner. We also demand that when we perform to this standard, and are ferociously assaulted, that criminals are held equally accountable for their actions.”
Crime Stoppers, Columbus police provided an update on street racing incident and announced a reward Wednesday:
Police released photos on Wednesday asking for the public’s help in identifying an individual and the owners of the two vehicles. Those pictured allegedly took part in the event.
The statement comes a day after city leaders announced they will be ramping up enforcement and prosecution of street racing in the city.
Law enforcement and prosecutors plan to work together to focus on street racing throughout the peak spring and summer months. City leaders also say that they will “aggressively prosecute any other activity related to street racing such as weapon offenses, rioting and property damage.”
Bryant’s full statement is included below:
“Last Saturday night several Columbus police officers were put at risk when shots were fired in their direction. They were sent to the location of 4100 Indianola Avenue after hundreds of people converged on this location for a takeover drag racing event. I am grateful that neither my officers nor innocent bystanders were injured.
This is yet another example of the continued attacks that officers face. Due to the professionalism and quick response of these officers and other responding officers who assisted, we were able to gain control of the situation without further incident.
We are relentlessly working to identify and apprehend those responsible. The Columbus Division of Police demands that our officers perform in an exemplary manner. We also demand that when we perform to this standard, and are ferociously assaulted, that criminals are held equally accountable for their actions.
We appreciate you (the public) for your outpouring of support for our personnel, both sworn and civilian as we continue to keep Columbus a safer place to live, work, and play.”
If you have information about this incident, please contact the Columbus Police Felony Assault Unit at (614) 645-4141. Tips can also be made to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS.