Markey bill targeting ‘street takeovers’ includes vehicle forfeitures

BOSTON – A bill that would stiffen penalties for rowdy “street takeovers,” including forfeiture of the motor vehicles involved, has been filed by state Rep. Chris Markey, D-Dartmouth.

“An act relative to protecting the public from street takeovers” is currently before the Joint Judiciary Committee and is headed for a public hearing, Markey said. The bill is co-sponsored by state Rep. Steven Xiarhos, R-Barnstable.

“We’re seeing the potential dangers of it,” he said. “Totally innocent people can be injured. The way these guys operate they could be injured, too,” Markey said. Property damage is also highly likely.

Markey noted these takeovers resulted in arrests, injuries, and damaged property in Fall River, Middleboro, Randolph, Brockton and Boston.

Most recently a three-hour street take