Operation S.T.O.P. Thwarts Planned Street Takeovers

On Saturday, July 30, 2022, the Cleveland Division of Police conducted Operation S.T.O.P. (Stop Street Takeovers Permanently) in the City of Cleveland.  Resources including the Patrol Section, the Bureau of Traffic, the Gang Impact Unit, the Aviation Unit and the Real Time Crime Center were utilized in this successful effort to stop illegal driving activity and keep our streets safe.
 
During the warmer months, instances of illegal and dangerous street driving and riding increase, causing traffic crashes, injuries, death, and overall risk to other drivers and passengers, pedestrians, and property.  The Cleveland Division of Police conducts regular analysis of calls for service involving such activity and develops enforcement plans accordingly.
 
Members of the Cleveland Division of Police received actionable information regarding illegal street riding and developed and implemented a plan to thwart the planned ride.  On July 30, 2022 at approximately 9:30 p.m., multiple vehicles arrived in a parking lot in the area of West 65th Street and Denison Avenue, grouping for a ride.  Officers approached and the vehicles scattered.  The Aviation Unit was utilized to follow and track the drivers in a safe manner as they traveled toward the east side of the city.  Officers were able to safely make multiple traffic stops, citing individuals for traffic offenses including those listed in newly passed Cleveland codified ordnances such as  those prohibiting sliding into intersections.
 
Operation S.T.O.P. yielded the following results: 35 traffic citations, 4 parking citations, 10 autos towed, 1 ATV towed, 3 handguns seized, 5 arrests (1 improper handling of a firearm/traffic warrants, 3 felony warrants, 1 Carrying Concealed Weapons).
 
The Cleveland Division of Police will continue to enforce traffic codes.  Violators will be cited and arrested and vehicles will continue to be towed in an effort to STOP this activity.  Citizens are reminded that policing is a partnership between officers and residents.  Report illegal or suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1 in an emergency, 216-621-1234 in non-emergency.  Anonymous information can be provided by calling Crimestoppers at 216-25-CRIME.