By Barbara Heimlich, Editor
Cover Photo Note: Photo is of an Atlanta Street Takeover, not a Stratford Street Takeover
Last Sunday, September 29th , Stratford Police officers were called to the 200 block of East Main Street, in front of the Walmart plaza, to reports of a street takeover just minutes after midnight.
“Patrol units arrived on scene to find several hundred vehicles and a fully involved illegal street takeover in progress,” police said.
Stratford police said three men and one woman, ages 19, 20, 25 and 26, were each charged with breach of peace. One of the drivers was also charged with operating an unregistered motor vehicle and operating a motor vehicle without insurance.
Police said that two vehicles at the scene were towed.
All arrested were released on a $2,500 bond and are scheduled to appear in court on October 16th, police said.
Kaitlyn Shake, Councilwoman for District 7, spoke with the police following the incident.
“Public Safety has and continues to be a top priority for me,” she said. “I have been working with Public Safety and our Police Department advocating on our community’s behalf in making sure our streets and neighborhoods continue to be safe. Early on the morning after the street takeover that occurred on Sunday by Stop&Shop and Walmart, I was in communication with our Chief of Police and Council Chair. My request to them was two-fold: Can the police investigate and charge those that were present, and can council amend our current ordinance to strengthen the authority the police have, similar to what passed in Milford?
Their response: ‘Yes, we will investigate the incident, and the council will inquire with the town lawyers to review the current language of our town ordinance’.”
The Stratford Police Department issued a press release this week announcing they arrested and charged several people who were present at the large street takeover on Sunday. “This sends a strong message that senseless, dangerous, and disruptive behavior on our streets will not happen without penalty”, said Shake. “On behalf of myself and my constituents, I am grateful to our SPD and commend the brave men and women who work to keep our streets and town safe every day.”
Official police press release follows:
Many thanks to Council Woman Shake and to Stratford PD for their prompt action in countering this senseless and illegal incident. A sense of order and respect for the law is essential if our citizens are to feel safe in our community.
Thank you Stratford PD, Councilwoman K. Shake & ALL who take this assault upon our common sense of civility preservation quite SERIOUSLY.
Now, for the next bane of modern living up upon the wheel –> Enforcement of State & Local Codes—already on the books—concerning unnecessarily high-decibel/modified motor vehicles wantonly disturbing th3 otherwise peaceful Town of Stratford at all hours!
Note: At one time, those anti-social noise situations were so frowned upon, that a ‘Mide-a-size’ car muffler ad campaign with a famous ex-boxer got lots of play in ‘toning things down’