Residents of Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn are calling for increased NYPD patrols after a street takeover at the junction of Knapp Street and Emmons Avenue left skid marks on the road and raised fears over reckless driving.
Footage from the incident, which took place at about 2am on 22 August 2026 near the Belt Parkway, showed cars performing doughnuts as fireworks were set off and spectators gathered to film. One person climbed on to scaffolding, while another narrowly avoided being struck by a vehicle spinning through the junction.
Residents told local media that similar gatherings have occurred repeatedly in the area, with some claiming drag racing and engine revving can continue during the early hours. Diana Tsevryk said the noise was sometimes loud enough to trigger alarms nearby.
Residents want NYPD patrols to prevent street takeovers
Igor Mukhin said crowds generally appeared between 2am and 5am. He claimed drivers often fled towards the highway when police arrived.
“The noise just comes out of nowhere,” one neighbour said, describing the sudden disruption caused by the gatherings.
Separate footage reported by News 12 showed dozens of people and vehicles blocking the same intersection. Resident Mitch Borofsky said the scene was like “an invasion”, with spectators filming as cars circled the junction. ([bronx.news12.com](https://bronx.news12.com/2026/08/26/it-was-like-an-invasion-street-takeover-causes-concern-in-sheepshead-bay/ZQQMfJ1UrfOcP8e03m5Vt))
The NYPD confirmed to Fox 5 New York that one person had been arrested in connection with the 22 August takeover. Jamar Gordon, 19, from Freeport on Long Island, was charged with reckless endangerment and having a dirty or covered licence plate.
Inna Vernikov, the city council member for the area, said on social media that the 61st Precinct had made two arrests for drag racing at Knapp Street and Emmons Avenue over the weekend. The precinct covers Sheepshead Bay, as well as Kings Bay, Gravesend and Manhattan Beach. ([bronx.news12.com](https://bronx.news12.com/2026/08/26/it-was-like-an-invasion-street-takeover-causes-concern-in-sheepshead-bay/ZQQMfJ1UrfOcP8e03m5Vt))
Residents say the arrest has not eased their concerns because they do not know when another takeover will occur. They want officers stationed in the area more regularly, arguing that a visible police presence could deter the gatherings rather than simply respond once they have begun.
Vernikov urged constituents to report incidents to the police, while residents said the recurring late-night activity was affecting their sleep and sense of safety.
