CHARLOTTE — Gov. Roy Cooper has signed a bill that will outlaw street takeovers in North Carolina.
It’s been a problem in the Queen City and surrounding areas for years. With Senate Bill 91 now official, there will soon be stiff penalties for the crime.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has gotten creative when it comes to combating street takeovers. Officers charge drivers with reckless driving, speeding, and evading police.
[ PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘We have got a problem’: Street takeovers could soon be outlawed in NC ]
On Monday, CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings said on social media that he was thrilled to hear the news that the bipartisan bill was official.
Lt. Christopher Rorie is with CMPD’s transportation unit, and he’s responded to his fair share of street takeovers. One of those had an estimated 350 cars involved.
“This is happening everywhere,” Rorie said. “I’ve never seen so many cars in one place, and I was like, we have got a problem.”
Channel 9 has reported on these stunts countless times, with nearby residents outraged. CMPD officers can issue citations or possibly arrest drivers for things like street racing, but there’s no law on the books specifically criminalizing street stunts without racing.
Uptown resident Blair Robinson is optimistic about the new bill.
“I hope it does make a difference because a lot of people are out walking even at night. So to see people driving super recklessly is scary,” he said.
However, another Uptown resident, Troy Talamelli, isn’t as confident.
“Sometimes when you penalize them, they wanna do it even more,” he said.
CMPD has made 24 arrests, issued 104 citations and towed 66 cars related to street takeovers.
The bill will take effect on December 1, 2023.
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