MILWAUKEE – From speeding cars and burnouts to fireworks and huge crowds, city leaders say they are tired of what’s being called “street takeovers” happening around Milwaukee.

What we know:

The Milwaukee Police Department told the Milwaukee Common Council on Thursday, May 22, they’ll be doing what’s called directed patrol missions. They want to see street takeovers stop and hold people accountable.

Leaders say these street takeovers are causing mayhem on the roads. The organized reckless driving meet-ups draw huge crowds as cars do burnouts. 

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The events are often fueled by social media.

What they’re saying:

“As a city, we cannot tolerate this. We can’t normalize this,” Common Council President Ald. José Pérez said. “Fireworks were going off. Spectators cheering as if it were a playoff game.”

On Thursday, the Common Council Public Safety Committee took on the issue, saying businesses and residents are frustrated by what they see as a lack of consequences for those involved.

“There’s not a place that this has not touched over the last couple of years,” Assistant Chief Craig Sarnow said. “So this is a challenge.”

Dig deeper:

For MPD’s directed patrol missions, five teams will be dedicated to the north side and five to the south side, along with two tow trucks to crack down on the takeovers and those involved.

MPD created a map of 52 locations where these takeovers are happening.

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“We’re hoping to make an example of someone that’s engaging in this so we can say to the public this will not be tolerated,” Capt. Phillip Simmert said.

Officials are trying to put the brakes on bad behavior and the chaos that goes along with it.

What you can do:

Officials said if you see street takeovers happening, call the police and report them so they can send officers there.

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INDIANAPOLIS — Jim Irsay, the beloved owner of the Indianapolis Colts, passed away Wednesday afternoon at the age of 65. As news of his death spreads, many are reflecting on the profound impact he had not only on the game of football but also on the community that adores him.

“He had a heart of gold,” said ESPN NFL Reporter Stephen Holder, who covers the Indianapolis Colts.

WATCH: Stephan Holder. Holder has covered the Indianapolis Colts since 2013. Most recently, he has been the team beat writer for ESPN.com.

Stephen Holder

Those who worked alongside Irsay and played for him often saw this quality firsthand. His love for the sport was evident, but it was his connection to family and community that truly defined him.

“It wasn’t just about football,” Former Colts Cornerback Marlin Jackson said. “It was about his family, and it was about the community. He poured his heart and soul into both those things.”

For many, Jim Irsay was not just a team owner but a vital part of the community.

“When they think about Indianapolis, they think about the Colts,” said Holder. “That’s not how it was 30 years ago. The Colts were just an afterthought. He helped give this city an identity.”

WATCH: Marlin Jackson. Jackson was a first-round draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2005. He was a starting cornerback for the Colts’ Super Bowl XLI win over the Chicago Bears.

Marlin Jackson

Under Irsay’s leadership, many said the Colts became an integral part of Indianapolis, transitioning the city from a racing and college basketball town to one that proudly embraces its NFL franchise. The narrative of Indianapolis has shifted, and much of that progress can be attributed to Irsay’s vision.

In 2020, Irsay and the Colts launched “Kicking the Stigma,” a campaign aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues and reducing associated stigmas.

“He wanted it to be a national PSA,” said Kalen Jackson, Irsay’s daughter. “It was a beautiful thing, and I think that’s what makes Kicking the Stigma so impactful—it comes from a genuine place.”

Fans often saw themselves in Irsay, feeling a personal connection to his vision for the team. He helped elevate the Colts to their status at the forefront of Indiana’s sports landscape.

“The fans—they saw themselves in him in many ways,” Former Colts Lineman Brian Baldinger said. “If you wore the horseshoe, you felt like you were playing for a first-class organization.”

WATCH: Brian Baldinger. Baldinger played four of his eleven seasons in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts. He currently serves as an analyst for the NFL Network.

Brian Baldinger

As the city mourns the loss of a powerful figure, those who knew Jim Irsay best are left with lasting memories of his contributions both on and off the field. His legacy will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come.

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