Medford NY
8-17-2026 12:21am

Police Arrest 15, Impound 7 Vehicles Following Alleged Street Takeover in Medford

By Samantha Vogel
Long Island Daily News

MEDFORD, N.Y. — Fifteen people were arrested and seven vehicles were impounded after Suffolk County Police broke up an alleged street takeover in Medford over the weekend, according to police.

The incident unfolded early Saturday morning near Woodside Avenue and Sawgrass Drive, where police said a group of vehicles gathered and blocked portions of the roadway while drivers allegedly performed dangerous maneuvers, including donuts and burnouts.

According to police, those arrested were all young adults, ranging in age from 18 to 23.

The arrests followed efforts by Suffolk County Police to track the group as it reportedly moved between several locations during the night.

Police said authorities had earlier prevented gatherings near Commack Road and Sunrise Highway in Islip and later near Route 112 and Main Street in Patchogue.

The group then reportedly moved to Medford, where officers intervened at approximately 12:50 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15.

Members of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Street Takeover Task Force responded to the Medford location.

By the end of the enforcement action, 15 people had been taken into custody, seven vehicles were impounded and multiple traffic summonses were issued, according to police.

Fourteen of those arrested were reportedly charged with participating in an unlawful speed contest and spectating an unlawful speed contest.

The charges are allegations, and those arrested are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Street Takeovers Raise Safety Concerns

Street takeovers have become an increasing concern for law enforcement and communities throughout the region.

The gatherings typically involve drivers and spectators taking over intersections or stretches of public roadway while vehicles perform burnouts, donuts or other stunts.

While videos of these events frequently circulate on social media, authorities warn that the activity can put participants, spectators and unsuspecting motorists at serious risk.

A vehicle performing donuts can lose control in seconds.

A spectator standing nearby can be struck.

And motorists who unexpectedly encounter a roadway blocked by dozens of people and vehicles can find themselves in a dangerous situation through no fault of their own.

Emergency vehicles could also face delays when public roadways are obstructed.

Police Continue Crackdown

Suffolk County authorities have been increasing enforcement efforts targeting illegal street racing, reckless driving and street takeovers.

The department’s Street Takeover Task Force focuses specifically on identifying and disrupting these gatherings.

The Medford incident also illustrates the challenges police face when groups move quickly from one location to another after authorities intervene.

In this case, police said the group was prevented from gathering at locations in Islip and Patchogue before ultimately arriving in Medford.

The arrests send a clear message that participating in — or allegedly gathering to watch — an illegal street takeover can have consequences.

For Long Island residents, the larger issue is public safety.

There are legal places and organized events where automotive enthusiasts can enjoy their passion.

Public streets, however, are shared by everyone.

Families driving home, people heading to work, pedestrians, emergency responders and other motorists should not unexpectedly encounter an intersection being used for dangerous vehicle stunts.

One mistake can result in a serious injury or death.

The safest outcome is preventing that tragedy before it happens.

Long Island Daily News will continue following police enforcement involving street takeovers, reckless driving and other traffic-safety issues throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.

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