Chicago Police officers were attacked by "side show" drivers and watchers over the weekend as the trend of taking over street intersections to do vehicle stunts are becoming a mainstay in the Windy City.
While "side shows" might seem like harmless fun, it can turn dangerous very quickly as spectators can be harmed if the driver loses control. The nighttime events have become problematic for responding Chicago police officers as the crowd often attacks them with fireworks and rocks.
Videos posted to social media shows how out of control the crowds became towards the officers, with people even jumping on top of police SUVs.
Welcome to Woke City!
— Back The Blue (@ChicagoPD19) August 28, 2022
Smh pic.twitter.com/dtuPBgoK7b
Sideshow fans vs. CPD squad car. #chicagoscanner #sideshow pic.twitter.com/l5r1PrpxXz
— CHICAGO CRITTER (@ChicagoCritter) August 28, 2022
Round 2 Green Line Stop Morgan pic.twitter.com/M9BAJ7Q6Kr
— Chicago Kid (@chilandlord) August 28, 2022
Street takeovers throughout city devolve into clashes with police, arrests and car impoundment https://t.co/bVUoX5efy8 by @_ManuelRamos_ pic.twitter.com/a0S9ByvhrI
— Ashlee Rezin (@Ashlee_Rezin) August 27, 2022
The handiwork of goons who met CPD at Cermak and Lumber last night.
— Chicago Contrarian (@ChicagoContrar1) August 28, 2022
Do something, @chicagosmayor.https://t.co/bjfT8p8cHk pic.twitter.com/0CvR6rwRKZ
CWBChicago reports a police department spokesperson said six squad cars were damaged, and an 18-year-old was cited for obstruction of a rear license plate. His vehicle was also impounded. Police are also investigating possible connections between the sideshows and a fatal crash.
City Alderman Raymond Lopez, who is running for mayor, reiterated his call for for Chicago Police to be helped by state and federal law enforcement, along with support from the Illinois National Guard.
A half dozen locations throughout Chicago were overtaken by this vehicular madness. I previously said what this city needs to do to put an end to this reckless stupidity & disregard for law enforcement. The plan is just as valid & workable today as it was in July. https://t.co/X4z9DMOdgX pic.twitter.com/1coeqPTkld
— Ald. Raymond Lopez (@RLopez15thWard) August 28, 2022