Street Takeover Accident

An illegal "street takeover" event turned into a scene of chaos and concern when a bystander was struck and severely injured by a spinning car. A graphic video of the incident went viral, sparking public outrage and renewing calls for stricter enforcement against these dangerous gatherings.

The Shocking Accident Caught on Video

The incident occurred during a nighttime takeover at a public intersection, where a crowd of hundreds surrounded a car performing "donuts"—a dangerous stunt where a vehicle spins in tight circles.

Video footage that circulated rapidly on social media captured a man standing dangerously close to the car, filming with his phone. Despite shouts from other onlookers warning him to move back, he remained in the path of the vehicle. The driver lost control, and the car slammed into the bystander, throwing him several feet into the air.

The aftermath was just as disturbing. Instead of receiving immediate aid, the motionless man was surrounded by bystanders. The video shows one individual checking the unconscious man’s pockets, while another appears to slap his head. The callous response drew widespread criticism online, with many speculating it was an attempt to steal his belongings rather than help.

“The guy had a serious injury at minimum. After he was hit, someone checked his pockets and smacked him across the head… Let this be a lesson against blowing off warnings,” one user commented on Reddit, where the video was shared widely.

Growing Concern Over Illegal Street Takeovers

Street takeovers—also known as "sideshows" or "intersection takeovers"—have become a major safety concern in cities across the United States. In these events, large groups illegally seize control of a road to perform dangerous stunts. Organized through social media, they draw hundreds of spectators who often stand perilously close to the action.

Local authorities report that this trend has exploded in recent years. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) recorded over 500 street takeovers in 2021, a significant increase from the previous year. This surge has been seen nationwide, with deadly consequences.

• Chicago: In July 2022, a spectator was struck and killed by a speeding car. In the aftermath, other attendees allegedly robbed the fatally injured man instead of helping him.
• Austin: In February 2023, a takeover event involved fireworks being shot at police cars, resulting in an injured officer and several arrests.
• Philadelphia: A crash at an illegal drag race in September 2022 killed a 21-year-old passenger, spurring city officials to crack down on such gatherings.

<SearchResult>
    <Title>Spectator Killed at Chicago Street Takeover; Suspects Allegedly Rob Victim</Title>
    <Snippet>A 40-year-old man was struck and killed by a speeding car during a drifting event in Chicago's West Loop. Reports indicate other attendees robbed the man as he lay dying instead of rendering aid.</Snippet>
    <Source>CBS Chicago</Source>
</SearchResult>

Bystander Safety and Proper First Aid

The crowd's actions in the viral video have put bystander response under scrutiny. Medical professionals caution that improper handling of an accident victim can worsen their condition. First aid guidelines from the American Red Cross state that if a person is unconscious after a traumatic injury, you should call for emergency help immediately and avoid moving them. Shaking or slapping an unconscious person is strongly discouraged, as it can aggravate potential head or spinal injuries.

It remains unclear whether the individual who was struck survived or the extent of his injuries, as authorities have not released an official statement. Hit-and-run charges are a possibility if the driver is identified.

<SearchResult>
    <Title>First Aid for Unconscious Victims & Rise in Traffic Fatalities - Red Cross, NHTSA</Title>
    <Snippet>The American Red Cross advises not to move or slap an unconscious person after a traumatic injury. Concurrently, NHTSA data shows a rise in traffic fatalities, partly linked to reckless driving and illegal street racing during the pandemic.</Snippet>
    <Source>American Red Cross / NHTSA</Source>
</SearchResult>

Law Enforcement and Community Response

Authorities are grappling with how to deter the rise of street takeovers, emphasizing that these gatherings are illegal and deadly. "Street takeovers are not harmless fun—they put lives at risk and will not be tolerated," an LAPD spokesperson stated.

In response, many cities have formed dedicated street racing task forces to monitor social media and respond to events. These crackdowns have resulted in thousands of citations and hundreds of vehicle impoundments.

<Image>
    <Title>LAPD Crackdown on Street Takeovers Leads to Impounded Cars</Title>
    <Description>Dozens of cars impounded by the Los Angeles Police Department are shown lined up in a tow yard following a major crackdown on illegal street racing and takeover events in Southern California.</Description>
    <Source>ABC7 News</Source>
</Image>

California has enacted stricter laws, such as Assembly Bill 3 (AB3), which allows judges to suspend the driver’s license of anyone convicted of participating in or spectating at a sideshow. Some cities, like Compton, have taken a more direct approach by installing raised pavement markers, or "Botts' dots," in intersections to physically prevent cars from performing stunts.

<SearchResult>
    <Title>Compton Installs 'Botts' Dots' in Intersections to Stop Street Takeovers</Title>
    <Snippet>To deter illegal sideshows, the city of Compton, CA, has installed raised pavement markers and rubberized bumps in key intersections to make it impossible for cars to perform dangerous spinning stunts.</Snippet>
    <Source>ABC7 Los Angeles</Source>
</SearchResult>

Community leaders are also speaking out against the noise, disruption, and danger these events bring to their neighborhoods. Some groups are partnering with police to offer legal alternatives for car enthusiasts, such as organized track days, to promote safe driving habits.

Social Media Reaction and Aftermath

Online, the viral video prompted thousands of comments. While some expressed sympathy, many criticized both the driver and the spectator for their reckless actions. The sentiment that the victim "played stupid games, won stupid prizes" was common, though others were more appalled by the crowd's inhumane response after he was hit.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Videos from social media are often used as evidence to identify and charge drivers with felonies, including assault with a deadly weapon. The individual seen checking the victim’s pockets could also face criminal charges for theft or robbery.

This incident is a stark reminder of the lethal potential of street takeovers. As authorities work to curb these events through enforcement and legislation, the ultimate solution requires a cultural shift away from glamorizing reckless behavior on public roads.