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Fairfax staff urge state changes to charge organizers and increase penalties for street takeovers
Summary
Police described a sharp rise in organized street takeovers and urged the county to pursue state legislation to expand charging authority and penalties, citing regional links to violence and challenges policing coordinated events.
Police and supervisors in Fairfax County said Tuesday they will push for state-level changes after a local police briefing on organized street takeovers and stunt driving.
Assistant Chief of Police Bob Blakely told the Board's legislative committee that street takeovers — where organizers block traffic and perform “donuts” and burnouts — rose sharply in late 2022 and into 2024. “We made 3 arrests in that case,” he said of one March incident, and said the events are dangerous: “So they are very dangerous.” He recounted that officers have stumbled upon events, been struck by fleeing vehicles, and that attendees and organizers have come from multiple jurisdictions.
Blakely said current Virginia code (reckless driving and racing statutes) does not reliably allow charges against aiders, abettors or people who intentionally block roadways to facilitate these events. He proposed amending the racing statute to expand the county's ability to charge everyone involved, with stiffer penalties including vehicle impoundments.
Board members voiced broad support for the approach while urging coordination with neighboring jurisdictions. Chairman McAfee and others asked staff whether Maryland's recent law presented lessons the county could adopt to keep enforcement consistent across the DMV region and prevent organizers from simply moving events across borders.
Supervisors representing districts where large meets occurred said publicity and enforcement were both necessary. “I think that message is as important as the legislation,” Supervisor Herdy said, urging visible enforcement. Supervisor Lusk, who said his district had a meetup of more than 1,000 cars, said impoundment would be an effective deterrent.
The county indicated it will pursue the proposed legislative change with members of its General Assembly delegation and that board members would be updated as draft language becomes available.
The committee took no formal vote but directed staff to continue developing the legislative proposal and to coordinate regionally and with relevant police task forces.
