IMPD, ISP arrest 15, recover 6 firearms after reckless driving crackdown

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Indiana State Police and the Beech Grove Police Department arrested 15 people, towed five vehicles and recovered six firearms as part of a collaborative effort to crack down on reckless driving this past weekend.




On April 27, IMPD said officers responded to the 4200 block of S. Meridian Street after receiving reports that a large number of vehicles had been spotted in the area. IMPD said police arrived and reportedly observed an 18-year-old and a 19-year-old "dancing on top" of one of the vehicles while displaying firearms.




When officers approached, IMPD said the two males entered a vehicle and led police on a short pursuit that concluded over a mile away when police successfully deployed their Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT).

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The two males exited the vehicle and continued fleeing on foot while police closed in and apprehended two juvenile females who were inside the vehicle. It is unclear if the females face any pending charges. An ISP helicopter was later utilized to help find the two men.




The 19-year-old was preliminarily charged with pointing a loaded firearm, unlawful carrying of a handgun and resisting law enforcement. Meanwhile, the 18-year-old was brought into custody and preliminarily charged with resisting law enforcement.




In a separate incident, police IMPD said officers watched as a Ford F150 truck completed a burnout in an undisclosed location. Officers on the scene then continued following the truck for a short distance when they observed it reportedly crash into two vehicles parked near the 200 block of Villa Avenue.




Police then approached the truck and spoke with the driver. While speaking with the driver, officers noticed he reportedly had a firearm in his possession, IMPD said. Police later determined that it was illegal for him to have this firearm due to his previous convictions, marking him as a serious violent felon.




In a third incident, police issued a citation to a driver after two vehicles were seen "drag racing" down U.S. 31. The car was also towed.




"This weekend's arrests should send a clear message - we will not tolerate this disruptive and disrespectful behavior on our streets," said IMPD Chief Chris Bailey. "Reckless driving puts lives at risk and damages the quality of life in our neighborhoods. Our officers, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to take action, including arrests and towing vehicles, to address these illegal activities throughout the summer and beyond," he added. "These efforts require numerous resources from our department and our state partners, and we are committed to effectively utilizing all available tools to keep our streets safe."




Chief Bailey testified in favor of Senate Bill 13 in January, which was written to allow law enforcement to seize any vehicle for civil forfeiture purposes if the vehicle was used to commit reckless driving by creating a rotational skid or obstructing traffic.




IMPD has reported seeing a rise in the number of street takeovers that they contend have led to more blocked intersections and reckless driving in Indianapolis. IMPD previously reported that multiple officers were attacked and squad cars were damaged while responding to a series of street takeovers in September last year.





via: https://fox59.com/news/impd-isp-arrest-15-recover-6-firearms-after-reckless-driving-crackdown/