Over the weekend, the streets of Texas felt the rampant rev of engines and the screech of tires—street takeovers reportedly disrupted the peace in both San Antonio and Austin, turning roads into makeshift arenas for reckless driving and thrill seekers. In San Antonio, a coordinated effort between the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) led to several busts on Saturday night, as documented by KENS 5. In scenes echoing those caught on film, 10 individuals were arrested on varying charges including reckless driving, unlawful carrying of a weapon, and drug possession.
The pandemonium, concentrated on the west side, saw bystanders like Paisley Lane, who caught one of the takeovers while driving home near Culebra Road and Benrus Boulevard. "I was like 'Woah what is happening here,' I’ve never seen anything like this in my life," Lane told KENS 5. Street takeovers are not stunt shows sanctioned by any city, but a dangerous combination of recklessness that puts participants and unsuspecting citizens at risk.
Similarly, Austin dealt with its share of chaos as the Austin Police Department and DPS responded to four incidents in one night. One situation escalated when a white mustang, lacking its headlights, tried to evade a traffic stop initiated by a DPS trooper. The vehicle ended up crashing at the intersection of Payton Gin and Ohlen Road. The driver was apprehended and sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while a man and a woman in the other car involved in the crash were hospitalized, as reported by CBS Austin.
The aftermath of these events, which saw eight vehicles impounded in San Antonio, including one with a fake license plate, and two guns seized. "They think it’s fun just driving around, hey meet up, let’s take over, take our drones, and spin our cars around and next thing you know, someone is going to get killed and hurt," Lane expressed her concerns to KENS 5.
Governor Greg Abbott nodded to the importance of DPS presence in cities like Austin following the incidents. “The City of Austin may have tried to eliminate DPS from Austin, but I have not," stated Abbott on X, reasserting DPS's role in ensuring public safety. His comments mirror a wider conversation on municipal security and state oversight, at a time when the edge of order seems ever fragile, as conveyed by CBS Austin.
The City of Austin may have tried to eliminate DPS from Austin, but I have not.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 30, 2023
Public safety is a top priority in every city across the state.
DPS will be deployed as needed to every city--including Austin--to do everything possible to maintain safety. https://t.co/wmmqXo59Z8
