The NOPD, along with local, state and federal partners, including FBI, ATF, Louisiana National Guard, Orleans Parish Sheriff's Department and Louisiana State Police are planning a coordinated safety enforcement effort aimed at shutting down illegal street takeovers planned for this coming weekend in New Orleans.
"These are not car shows, they are not community events, and they are not harmless gatherings," explains NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick. "These activities put lives at risk, damage property, disrupt neighborhoods and threaten public safety."
The NOPD is urging those who may have plans to block intersections, perform burnouts, do donuts, race through our streets, or use vehicles to take over public roadways, you will be violating city ordinances and state laws.
New Orleans law specifically prohibits vehicular stunt activities, burnouts, donuts, street racing, and the blocking of roadways. It also prohibits organizing these events through social media and assisting or facilitating them.
Participants, social media organizers and even spectators may face enforcement action. Vehicles can be impounded, criminal charges filed and arrests made.
The message is clear: if you plan to visit New Orleans this weekend-come enjoy our city, our culture, our music and our hospitality. "But if you plan to endanger our residents, damage our streets, disrupt our businesses, or turn our intersections into a stunt area, save yourself the trip," adds Superintendent Kirkpatrick. "NOPD and its partners will be ready, visible, coordinated and we will enforce the law."
These are the actual ordinances and laws related to these illegal activities:
• Vehicular Stunt Activities Ordinance (Sec. 54-503)
• Spectators at Illegal Street Racing/Stunt Events (Sec. 54-504)
• Reckless Operation of a Vehicle (R.S. 14:99)
• Aggravated Obstruction of a Highway of Commerce (R.S. 14:96)
• Simple Obstruction of a Highway of Commerce (R.S. 14:97)
• Criminal Damage to Property
• Unlawful Posting of Criminal Activity for Notoriety and Publicity (R.S. 14:107.4)
Anyone with information about these illegal activities is urged to call 911 or Crimestoppers anonymously at (504) 822-1111.