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HomeMy WebLinkAbout26-0054 - 2026-04-28 - Informal ReportINFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 26-0054 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council April 28, 2026 Page 1 of 3 SUBJECT: ILLEGAL STREET RACING, RECKLESS DRIVING, AND STREET TAKEOVER ACTIVITY The purpose of this Informal Report is to provide an overview of ongoing illegal street racing, reckless driving, and street takeover activity within the City of Fort Worth, outline current trends and impacts, and summarize the Fort Worth Police Department's response efforts. I. Background Illegal street racing and street takeover events have been present in Fort Worth since at least 2020. These activities typically involve large groups gathering to perform dangerous vehicle maneuvers, including high-speed racing, burnouts, and the blocking of intersections. Such events create hazardous conditions for participants, spectators, and the general public. In 2022, the city experienced a significant increase in these incidents. This surge coincided with heightened enforcement efforts throughout the region to include Fort Worth. More than 1,000 related calls for service were recorded between late 2022 and early 2023. II. Current Trends Street racing and takeover events continue to evolve in both organization and execution. These gatherings are frequently coordinated through social media platforms, enabling participants to quickly assemble at predetermined or rapidly changing locations. In recent years, there has been a shift from open, publicly visible posts to private or closed communication channels, making detection and prevention more difficult. From January through March 2026, the Fort Worth Police Department documented approximately 795 calls for service classified under "hot-rodding," a broad category that includes reckless driving, street racing, and potential takeover activity. While this total shows a consistent pattern of risky driving throughout the City of Fort Worth, a closer look at call narratives and comments reveals that only 18 of these incidents were specifically linked to organized street or parking lot takeover -style events. This distinction matters, as takeover incidents are a smaller, more coordinated subset of overall hot-rodding, which mostly consists of scattered, less organized driving violations. III. Public Safety Impact Street racing and takeover events pose serious risks to public safety. Past incidents have resulted in significant crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Additionally, there have been reports of weapons being displayed or discharged in crowded environments, further increasing the danger. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 26-0054 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council April 28, 2026 Page 2 of 3 SUBJECT: ILLEGAL STREET RACING, RECKLESS DRIVING, AND STREET TAKEOVER ACTIVITY These events often attract large numbers of spectators, which compounds the risk and complicates emergency response efforts. Residents in affected areas have reported concerns, including fear for personal safety, property damage, excessive noise, and disruptions to daily life. IV. Department Response The Fort Worth Police Department has implemented a multi -faceted approach focused on prevention, coordination, and enforcement. Key efforts include: • Enhanced intelligence -sharing with regional law enforcement partners • Improved coordination across patrol divisions • Targeted responses to identified events • Collaboration with other city departments to implement environmental deterrents, such as traffic -calming measures and intersection modifications These strategies have reduced the viability of certain locations for these activities and improved the department's ability to respond effectively. V. Legislative and Policy Developments Recent legislative changes at the state level have strengthened enforcement capabilities. Updates to Texas law now permit the seizure of vehicles involved in organized street racing and takeover events, providing a stronger deterrent for participants. Additionally, local ordinances addressing both participants and spectators have contributed to measurable reductions in activity. VI. Ongoing Challenges Despite progress, street racing and takeover activity remain cyclical. Activity levels fluctuate based on seasonal factors, enforcement trends, and the availability of alternative locations outside the city. Recent closures of privately -owned venues in surrounding areas may contribute to a renewed increase in activity within Fort Worth, as participants seek new locations for gatherings. VII. Future Considerations Sustained progress will require a continued and balanced approach, including: ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 26-0054 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council April 28, 2026 Page 3 of 3 SUBJECT: ILLEGAL STREET RACING, RECKLESS DRIVING, AND STREET TAKEOVER ACTIVITY • Maintaining consistent enforcement efforts • Strengthening regional partnerships and intelligence coordination • Enhancing community engagement and awareness • Ensuring accountability for individuals involved • Continuously evaluating resource allocation and operational strategies to remain adaptable to evolving trends Vill. Conclusion The City of Fort Worth has made meaningful progress in reducing the frequency and impact of street racing and takeover events. However, the issue remains complex and continues to evolve. Ongoing coordination, legislative support, and community awareness will be essential to maintaining public safety and preserving the quality of life for residents throughout the city. Additional questions or information requests should be directed to Deputy Chief Sean Kenjura at 817-392-3654 or Sean. Ken iura(a-)fortworthtexas.gov Jesus "Jay" Chapa City Manager ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS