This blurry image shows a person at a Wakelee Avenue street takeover just after midnight Saturday, April 26.
ANSONIA — Detectives are reviewing police video and local security cam footage in order to arrest the people involved in last night’s “street takeover.“
Lt. Patrick Lynch said police received calls between 12 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. Saturday (April 26) about activity in the area of Wakelee Avenue and Franklin Street.
“We received a call about a disturbance involving juveniles lighting off fireworks,” Lynch said.
The responding officer was greeted with fireworks — and a chaotic mob.
“The first officer on scene saw a large number of vehicles in the intersection blocking traffic. As the officer approached, one of the participants jumped up on the hood of his car,” Lynch said.
The officer backed his cruiser up to put distance between himself and the mob. He struck a parked car that police believe was connected to the takeover. It caused minor damage.
“That’s the video you see,” Lynch said.
No injuries were reported. Anyone with information should call police at 203 735 1885.
The video, posted at the top of this story, was shared on social media.
Lynch said there were between 60 and 100 people and more than a dozen cars blocking Wakelee Avenue.
Most took off when police arrived, Lynch said.
Police are reviewing their own dash and body cams, in addition to collecting video footage from residents’ home security cameras. Wakelee Avenue is full of residential houses, along with offices and small commercial shops, such as pizzerias and tow truck companies.
“We’re in the process of identifying suspects who were involved. We’re hoping we can get enough information that leads to an arrest,” Lynch said.
The effort includes searching social media.
Street takeovers have received massive news coverage in Connecticut. A press conference was held April 1 in New Haven where city and state officials called for tougher laws to deter the madness. Click here to read the story.
They’ve happened before in Derby and Shelton, but Lynch said this is the first time Ansonia had a full-fledged takeover.
“We’ve had others that start in Derby or somewhere else and pass through. We had officers stage at parking lots where we thought the cars might go to move them along,” Lynch said.
In a Facebook post, the City of Ansonia called out state lawmakers for “anti-cop legislation.”
“Mayor Cassetti and the Ansonia Board of Aldermen condemn all violence against Ansonia police and law enforcement,” the post read. “We call upon the legislature in the State of Connecticut to reverse the damage done to law enforcement with anti-cop legislation.”
The city also shared footage of the suspect jumping on a police car while others filmed and lit fireworks.The video “was taken from footage on Wakelee Avenue and occurred last night. It is disgraceful that our local law enforcement’s hands are tied by the (ridiculous) anti-police legislation adopted in this state. Residents and local law enforcement should not have to be jeopardized.”
The post urged residents to contact local legislators.
The Ansonia GOP posted a statement to Facebook blaming state Rep. Kara Rochelle.
“Thank you CT Democrats and State Rep Kara Rochelle for crippling local enforcement to the extent that STREET TAKEOVERS like THIS are now the reality in Ansonia,” the post read.
The GOP also said the media doesn’t cover street takeovers because they’re complicit in the crime.
“Wonder why the CT news won’t cover a street takeover like this? Because you are supposed to accept it as ‘normal,’ ” the GOP wrote.
Rochelle said it was the second time in a week that the Ansonia GOP “misled the public to attempt political gain.”
“The people of this community should expect a higher standard from their elected officials,” Rochelle said. “Here are the facts: The state legislature has increased funding and resources to police departments. It has passed laws to crack down on criminals. And I strongly support the legislature’s bill to crack down with expensive fines for participants and onlookers of street takeovers, strip licenses, and impound vehicles.”
Rochelle said everyone wants street takeovers to end.
“The Ansonia GOP’s cheap attempt to capitalize on this problem is transparent and dishonest to the facts of public policy and resources,” she said. “I encourage anyone who is concerned and wants the facts to reach out directly to my office.”
