Mayors, Chiefs Of Police, State AG, Advocate For Street Takeovers Law

NEW HAVEN, CT — Tuesday, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, Chief of Police Karl Jacobson, state Attorney General William Tong, and other local and state leaders convened to urge for the passage of new state legislation combatting so-called street takeovers.

The takeovers include the illegal use of dirt bikes and ATVs, and reckless driving, which threaten the safety and wellbeing of residents, bystanders, motorists, and property, the mayor's office shared.

There are currently several pieces of legislation currently being considered by the Connecticut General Assembly, including S.B. 1284, An Act Concerning Street Takeovers and the Illegal Use of Certain Vehicles and S.B. 1389, An Act Authorizing Certain Ordinances Concerning Street Takeovers.

Elicker, Jacobson, and other city officials have helped to spearhead and support the passage of the proposed bills.

According to Elicker's office, if passed, the bills would enable municipalities and the state to impose new and stiffer fines and penalties to individuals participating in, organizing, or spectating a street takeover. The fines run up to $2,000. The penalties would also include driver’s license suspension and revocation, impounding of vehicles used in street takeovers, some illegal dirt bikes and ATV seizures, and the destruction of impounded dirt bikes and ATVS, among other measures.

"This also builds on the City of New Haven’s ongoing efforts to combat this illegal activity through enhanced enforcement actions, local legislative actions, new technology and infrastructure, and coordinated regional action, including the creation of a Joint Regional Dirt Bike and ATV Task Force," Elicker's office noted in a news release.

Task Force membe is North Haven represented by Chief of Police Kevin Glenn, and First Selectman Michael Freda in attendee.

State Sen. Paul Cicarella (R-North Haven), ranking member of the Public Safety and Security Committee, weighed in.

“I commend local police on acting swiftly to address these street takeovers, which continue to happen across the state. Since 2023, Senate Republicans have pushed to create stiffer deterrents for criminals who participate in these dangerous, illegal activities," an emailed statement from Cicarella reads. "We’ve seen that street takeovers will continue to happen until we do more. I hope that Democrats work with us to enact tougher penalties for these dangerous, illegal acts that put the safety of the general public and law enforcement at serious risk."