2nd weekend of street takeover crackdowns yields 17 arrests, 36 vehicles towed

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - For the second weekend in a row, 17 individuals and towed 36 vehicles.

The effort is part of a growing response to so-called “sideshows”—unauthorized street gatherings where riders perform stunts, block intersections, and, in some cases, engage in dangerous behavior.

Kansas City Councilman Crispin Rea ed officers on a ride-along during the latest operation.

“There was a very aggressive and quick police response with the goal of getting these folks off the street and confiscating their vehicles,” Rea said.

He shared a video of the police activity, including officers pursuing two motorcycle riders who allegedly ran red lights, drove on sidewalks, and tried to flee through multiple neighborhoods.

“It turns out they were from Oklahoma. They were here from Tulsa, and they had come to our city to cause chaos,” Rea said. “We got to get this under control – and not all of these folks are from out of town. A lot of them are local, but it sends a message that we’re just not going to tolerate this.”

Last weekend’s crackdown also made headlines, with 12 arrests and six vehicles towed. Police said suspects in that operation pointed guns at officers, further escalating concerns.

“This has just gotten to a point where there is no other solution other than to go in and force,” Rea said.

Community have expressed for the police response.

“I’m thrilled they’re doing something about it,” said Kerry Browne, owner of Browne’s Irish Marketplace in Midtown.

Paul Bessenbacher is also glad to see the problem being addressed, but thinks police could have began these operations earlier.

While many are relieved to see action, questions remain about whether these measures will lead to lasting change—or simply push the problem elsewhere.

“It’ll force them to relocate,” Bessenbacher said. “I guess the question is, where will they relocate? I don’t think it’s realistic to say that they’re going to be able to catch everybody.”

Councilman Rea said he plans to continue ing future enforcement efforts and sharing what he sees with the public.

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