Video posted online shows a large crowd gathered at 47th Street and Cicero Avenue at about 7 p.m. Sunday as drivers performed donuts in the middle of the intersection. Police scanner traffic during the incident included a dispatch for a "large disturbance/drag race/potential teen takeover."
"We have to step up now. I think we need to really gather our friends and family and say enough is enough," said Eddie Guillen, a Southwest Side community organizer.
Guillen said the latest takeover highlights the need for residents to become part of the solution.
Scanner traffic from the scene also warned responding officers to "take caution," adding that people were "throwing rocks at the squad cars."
Ald. Mike Rodriguez of the 22nd Ward said street takeovers should not be tolerated.
"People shouldn't be doing this anywhere in the city of Chicago," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said he has spoken with community members and police following the incident.
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Such gatherings can become dangerous. Earlier this summer, a man was shot and killed near Ford City Mall, where a crowd had gathered for an apparent street takeover, according to witness video posted online.
"Many times we know when these types of things are going to happen from social media posts," Rodriguez said. "But we know these folks are mobile."
Rodriguez said city and state transportation officials are working on street infrastructure upgrades that could help deter takeovers. He also said cameras and license plate readers can assist police in identifying drivers involved.
However, Guillen said identifying participants can be difficult when vehicles have obscured license plates. He urged witnesses to share video evidence with police.
"Create a portal where we could actually anonymous upload these videos," Guillen said.
Police said a 14-year-old boy was arrested at the scene of Sunday's takeover for allegedly possessing a stolen motorcycle. It remains unclear whether any of the drivers involved in the takeover were apprehended.