City Council to Hold Hearing to Seek Answers on Saturday’s Streets Takeover

Oct 01, 2024

In light of the most recent street takeovers that took place throughout our city on Saturday night and Sunday morning, Cleveland City Council is committed to addressing the safety and well-being of our community. We recognize the growing concerns of our residents and businesses alike and want to ensure transparency as we move forward on this issue. 

The street takeovers have become violent and threatening to the well-being of our citizens throughout the summer, including the ongoing issue with illegal ATVs and dirt bikes terrorizing our neighborhoods. 

To that end, City Council’s Safety Committee, chaired by Councilman Mike Polensek (Ward 8) will hold a hearing to discuss this weekend's events. The hearing will take place on Wednesday, October 2 at 10:00 am in City Council’s Mercedes Cotner Committee Room (Room 217). 

Safety Chair Mike Polensek emphasized, "We cannot allow our city to be disrupted by urban terrorists, who, in many cases, have come in from as far away as Cincinnati and Michigan. It is crucial that we learn from this incident and ask the Administration what measures will be put in place to ensure the safety of our residents, businesses, and visitors alike. It is one thing for the mayor to say, finally, that he is “sick and tired of what took place over this weekend,” and another thing to do something about it." 

In this regard, Council will seek answers to the following questions and more: 

1. Were any arrests made during the event? 
2. If the Cleveland Division of Police had prior information or intelligence about the takeover, what actions were taken to prevent it? 
3. Was there any property or vehicle damage reported as a result of the takeover? 
4. How many officers responded to the various locations where the takeovers were taking place? 
5. What steps are being implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future? 
6. Did the Division of Police contact any other agencies, such as the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Cuyahoga County Sheriff, or adjacent suburbs, for assistance?

City Council President Blaine A. Griffin (Ward 6) stated, "The safety of our citizens is our top priority, and the City Administration must take proactive measures to ensure events like this do not disrupt our community. We need to ask critical questions and demand answers." 

City Council urges the community to remain vigilant and engaged as we work collaboratively with law enforcement and community leaders to address these pressing concerns.