INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Legislature has introduced over 1,200 bills in total, including Senate Bill 13, which if passed, would establish a Class B misdemeanor for “knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly operate[ing] a vehicle in a repeated or continuous manner with the intent of causing the vehicle to perform a rotational skid.” If another person is endangered, the crime would increase to a Class A misdemeanor. The penalty would climb to a Level 6 felony if it causes someone bodily injury, and to a Level 5 felony if it results in a death. The measure does not apply to drivers on private property — only public streets
The legislation is in response to the escalating danger of large-scale street takeovers in cities throughout Indiana, and especially in Indianapolis. These gatherings which are often organized through social media, attract dozens of people who block off public roads, highways, or intersections to hold illegal street races and perform spinning and “burnout” stunts. Spectators often run between moving vehicles, or run beside to tap the cars.
On September 15, 2024 , crowds of people lit a circle of flames in the middle of an intersection while drivers performed high-speed donuts, burnouts and other tricks. That night, at least two locations were targeted for take-overs — on the near east side and on the west side.
On September 16, law enforcement was called to the east side, on English Ave., and the crowd threw burning baseball bats and gas cans at officers, damaging police vehicles.
The events have also been associated with pedestrian injuries and shootings, fighting and looting after the events end.
To follow the progress of the Senate Bill 13, visit the Indiana General Assembly Web site, iga.in.gov and click on “Bills”.
