Louisville police arrested a man who was allegedly part of multiple street racing takeovers throughout the city during the Labor Day weekend.
Bryce Johnson, 18, is facing several charges, including one count of rioting, two counts of wanton endangerment, three counts of disorderly conduct, three counts of obstructing a highway, two counts of reckless driving, and one count of racing a motor vehicle on a public highway.
According to the arrest citation, Johnson took part in several street takeovers from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1. He was first seen on surveillance at LMPD’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) “drifting and doing donuts” in a 2014 white Dodge Charger in the middle of the intersection at 26th and Market streets, with a passenger hanging out of the window.
After officers arrived, Johnson sped off and was then seen later at the intersection of New Cut Road and West Kenwood Avenue, where another street takeover was happening.
Officers identified Johnson driving recklessly with a passenger hanging out of the window, according to the citation. Each time officers would approach his vehicle, Johnson would stop in traffic and do burnouts, with the passenger still hanging out of the window, “inciting multiple subjects at the takeover to become more involved.”
That’s when people began jump on an LMPD cruiser, forcing the officer to retreat from the crowd until backup arrived.
A short time after officers broke up the gathering, they were called to the area of 2nd Street and River Road on reports of a street takeover that turned into a shooting that sent the victim to UofL Hospital with non-fatal injuries.
According to the citation, RTCC cameras showed Johnson’s vehicle, that was missing a hood and a rear bumper, blocking the roadway and preventing anyone from getting through. Multiple vehicles were seen drifting and doing burnouts in the intersection before the shooting occurred.
The Charger’s license plate was recorded on a Flock camera in the area. Johnson admitted to officers on Sept. 11 that he was “driving the vehicle with his buddies,” and that he did participate in the takeover events listed above.
Johnson was released “on his own recognizance.” He is due in court at 9 a.m. on Sept. 16, according to online court records.
The arrest report did not mention whether or not Johnson’s vehicle was seized, but interim LMPD chief Paul Humphrey has repeatedly stated that vehicles used in street takeovers will be impounded and kept for at least six months. That includes any vehicles seized from spectators who take part in the street takeover by blocking traffic.
