Authorities hoping to foil planned CT street takeover this weekend

Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant
·2 min read

Authorities from multiple agencies are hoping to thwart a planned street takeover Saturday evening in Norwalk.

Chief James Walsh of the Norwalk Police Department said in a statement Friday that officials received intelligence indicating the planned takeover would take place in the area of Connecticut Avenue. Walsh said Norwalk police are working in collaboration with Connecticut State Police and the FBI.

“In response to this information, the Norwalk Police Department and the Connecticut State Police have planned a significant police response to strategically deter and maintain order,” Walsh said.

“As we have seen in reports from other street takeovers, these events can be extremely dangerous to the participants, the general public and police officers,” the chief continued. “The Norwalk Police Department along with its law enforcement partners is committed to the deterrence and enforcement of such crimes to maintain public safety.”

This is not the first time law enforcement officials in Connecticut have gotten ahead of a planned street takeover. The Shelton Police Department learned of a planned takeover on Dec. 9, 2023, on Research Drive and tapped resources from federal officials, state police and several neighboring police departments.

About 500 motorists arrived in Shelton to find a large police presence on Research Drive and were turned away. The group then attempted to hold the takeover in other areas of town but were dispersed by police before being able to, according to Shelton police.

The group of motorists then traveled to North Haven, Orange, Derby and back to Shelton and were thwarted by police in each location, Shelton police said.

Several infractions were issued and some vehicles were towed.

Connecticut State Police have encouraged anyone with information about a street takeover to contact the FBI’s tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI and select the “Connecticut Street Takeovers” option. Information can also be submitted by visiting the FBI’s website.