Valley’s Dangerous Intersection Takeovers Face Strict Crackdown

TEMPE, Ariz. — Recent data from the Tempe Police Department reveals a significant decline in street racing activities in the area. Since March 2024, there have been no reported instances of intersection takeovers, a trend that contrasts sharply with the chaos experienced during the pandemic.

During the height of the pandemic, intersections across the Valley became hotspots for reckless street racing. Hundreds of participants would converge, executing dangerous stunts like donuts and burnouts, often resulting in serious injuries to bystanders. “I’ve seen so many people getting hit by cars that are involved in these takeovers,” stated Sergeant Matt Barker, a member of Tempe’s Night Traffic Squad.

Barker explained that these events necessitated extensive resources and coordination among various law enforcement agencies. “There are hundreds of cars fleeing in every direction,” he noted, citing instances where racers would exceed speeds of 100 miles per hour while evading police.

In response to this surge in dangerous behavior, Tempe police collaborated with neighboring agencies, including those from Phoenix and Mesa, as well as the Department of Public Safety. This joint effort led to a significant number of arrests and vehicle impounds during nighttime operations.

The unified strategy has proven effective; as a result, intersection takeovers have ceased entirely in Tempe since March. Barker attributes this success to stringent enforcement and the establishment of consequences for reckless behavior on roadways. “One of the key elements is just enforcement and coming together with other agencies,” he explained.

Phoenix police are also reporting a decrease in similar incidents. Sergeant Ladd Bangerter of the Phoenix Street Racing Task Force noted, “We’re seeing far, far fewer takeovers.” Data supports this observation, showing a decline in criminal speed and racing citations in 2023 compared to the previous year.

Despite the reduction in takeover incidents, both departments acknowledge that street racing persists, often shifting to private properties. In response, Tempe police are now working collaboratively with homeowners to address these ongoing concerns.