Drug enforcement detectives in St. Louis say they broke up a street takeover near 9th and Branch on Tuesday, confronting drivers who were performing dangerous stunts in the intersection. Officers impounded at least two cars, a white Lexus GS300 and a white Nissan 350Z, and two people were later charged in connection with the scene. Police say a 3-year-old child was in the Lexus at the time of the stop.
In a Facebook post, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (OFFICIAL) said drug enforcement detectives observed a white Lexus GS300 with no plates performing stunts at Ninth and Branch and attempted to pull the car over. Detectives say the Lexus stopped after spotting spike strips, and the driver, identified as a 20-year-old woman from Foristell, was detained with a 3-year-old in the backseat and charged with stunt driving and endangering the welfare of a child. The department added that the Lexus was impounded.
How detectives stopped the takeover
Detectives positioned spike strips and moved in to disperse the crowd and clear the intersection. Officers impounded both vehicles and left the scene with the cars in tow as investigators followed up.
Arrests and charges
The department identified the driver of the Nissan 350Z as a 32-year-old man who, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department says, initially ran from detectives and stood in front of a detectives' vehicle to block their path. Police say he later returned and was arrested in Columbia, Missouri, and faces charges including stunt driving in connection with a street takeover and resisting arrest. Detectives impounded the Nissan 350Z as part of the investigation.
Potential penalties under Missouri law
Missouri's stunt driving statute defines a "street takeover" and makes stunt driving a criminal offense. A first violation is a class B misdemeanor, a second a class A misdemeanor, and a third or subsequent offense can be a class E felony, with steeper limits on probation for repeat offenders. RSMo 304.145 and the state's child endangerment law, RSMo 568.045, lay out penalties for endangering the welfare of a child, which can be elevated if serious physical injury results.
The investigation remains active, and detectives say they are continuing to work the case. Officials did not immediately release booking details for either suspect, and prosecutors will determine final filings.
