NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Police Department says it will join local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in a coordinated enforcement effort this weekend in response to planned illegal street takeover activity in the city.
NOPD said the operation will include assistance from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana National Guard, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police.
Police are warning drivers against blocking intersections, performing burnouts or donuts, street racing or using vehicles to take over public roadways.
City ordinances prohibit vehicular stunt activity, burnouts, donuts, street racing and blocking roadways. NOPD said the law also addresses organizing illegal street takeover events through social media or helping facilitate the activity.
Police warned that enforcement will not necessarily be limited to drivers. Participants, organizers and spectators could face enforcement action. Vehicles may be impounded, and those involved could face criminal charges or arrest.
NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick encouraged visitors to enjoy New Orleans while warning those planning to participate in illegal street activity to stay away.
“If you plan to endanger our residents, damage our streets, disrupt our businesses, or turn our intersections into a stunt area, save yourself the trip,” Kirkpatrick said. “NOPD and its partners will be ready, visible, coordinated and we will enforce the law.”
Laws Related to Illegal Street Takeovers
NOPD pointed to several city ordinances and Louisiana laws that may apply to illegal street takeover activity, including:
- Vehicular Stunt Activities — New Orleans City Code Sec. 54-503
- Spectators at Illegal Street Racing/Stunt Events — Sec. 54-504
- Reckless Operation of a Vehicle — Louisiana R.S. 14:99
- Aggravated Obstruction of a Highway of Commerce — R.S. 14:96
- Simple Obstruction of a Highway of Commerce — R.S. 14:97
- Criminal Damage to Property — R.S. 14:55 and R.S. 14:56
- Unlawful Posting of Criminal Activity for Notoriety and Publicity — R.S. 14:107.4
Anyone with information about planned illegal street takeover activity is asked to call 911 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at (504) 822-1111.
Source: New Orleans Police Department