Police urge passage of takeover ban as council continues public hearing to May 5

The Prince George’s County Police Department told the County Council on April 28 that proposed legislation to prohibit motor-vehicle takeovers, stunt driving and exhibition driving is an important tool for public safety.

Assistant Deputy Chief Travis Rickard, speaking on behalf of the police chief, said the department supports CB12-2026 and characterized takeover events as large, dangerous gatherings that attract motorists from across the region and can be associated with violence and weapons. "These incidents attract hundreds of motorists from across the region," Rickard said, and the department has responded to 38 such events this year, made 20 arrests and recovered 13 handguns and 3 rifles.

Rickard and other supporters told the council the incidents overwhelm streets and pose hazards for bystanders and officers. At the sponsor's request, and with the opportunity for additional testimony, the council continued the public hearing to May 5, 2026 at 10 a.m. Council member Burrows was added as a sponsor at the meeting.

Why it matters: sponsors say the ordinance would provide law-enforcement tools to target organized takeover events that the department says have been linked to weapons and violence; opponents or those seeking amendments may raise free-assembly or enforcement-scope concerns at the continued hearing.

Next steps: the council will resume the public hearing and take additional testimony on May 5; the sponsor has indicated willingness to accept additional speakers and an added sponsor will participate in further proceedings.