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Cincinnati council directs administration to draft tougher penalties for street takeovers after mass event
Summary
After a large, dangerous 'street takeover,' Cincinnati City Council unanimously directed the administration to produce a report within 30 days recommending civil fines, vehicle impoundment of at least six months and related enforcement steps to deter future incidents.
Cincinnati City Council on Monday unanimously adopted a motion directing the administration to prepare, within 30 days, a report and proposed ordinance strengthening civil penalties for street takeovers.
The motion, introduced by Council member Jeffries, asks the administration to recommend an ordinance that would authorize civil fines, permit impoundment of vehicles for a minimum of six months with owners responsible for impound costs, and include a review of past criminal charges under the 2024 Ohio street-takeover statute. Jeffries said the goal is to deter out-of-town and local participants who treated the recent event as an invitation to dangerously congregate on city streets.
"We had a pretty major street takeover a little more than a week or two ago," Jeffries said during debate, noting about 100 cars were impounded and that social media promoted the event. "This is not just some innocent fun; it's hugely dangerous." He said Louisville's use of long-term impoundment has proven an effective deterrent.
President Johnson and other members praised Cincinnati Police Department officers for an operation they described as preventing injuries and property damage. Johnson said the city must be "crystal clear" that Cincinnati is not open to reckless, criminal behavior.
City solicitor and prosecutors were asked during the discussion to scope the legal mechanisms available for civil penalties and forfeitures that can be layered on existing criminal enforcement. The motion references the 2024 Ohio street-takeover law and directs staff to report on prior cases and outcomes.
The council adopted the motion by unanimous roll call and asked the law department to craft the ordinance language for future consideration. No ordinance text was voted on Monday; the action directs staff to return with recommended language and policy options.
Next steps: the administration must produce the report and recommended ordinance within 30 days for council and law-department consideration.
