Members of the Fraternal Order of Police Montgomery County Lodge 35 are calling for a changes to state law following a Feb. 22 cross-county street takeover that blocked traffic and damaged two police cruisers. The FOP wants the state law updated to allow law enforcement to criminally charge participants, according to the group.
The problem, according to Lauren Washington, communications specialist for Lodge 35, is that currently, the participants can only be cited for traffic violations but nothing criminal.
“I can’t even call it a crime right now, it’s just traffic violations,” Washington said of the Feb. 22 street takeover that moved from Prince George’s to Montgomery County.
In a statement following the incident, FOP President Lee Holland said, “This incident highlights a growing concern; current laws are not strong enough to deter individuals from participating in these dangerous street takeovers.”
“I first want to recognize the bravery and professionalism displayed by our members during the recent street takeover activity,” Holland said. “During a very troubling, chaotic and dangerous scene, officers remained calmed, focused and committed to
protecting motorists.”
The officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect others without the ability for strong enforcement, Holland added.
“[The officers] should not have to face that risk because of reckless and senseless street takeovers. The actions of those involved were unacceptable. They not only put themselves in danger, but they also endangered motorists and community members,” Holland said.
Street takeovers are “escalating” in numbers and intensity, according to Holland.
In the most recent incident, officers learned of the cars heading to the Silver Spring area and quickly moved to close off most intersections at around 12:40 a.m., according to police. However, drivers still blocked traffic and spun their car wheels in large circles, also known as “donut” driving moves, while taunting police. Some participants got out of their cars and tried to stop the officers from entering the intersection.
One officer was inside a police vehicle when the rear window was broken and the windshield smashed. There were no officer injuries.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County at www.crimesolversmcmd.org.
President Lee Holland issues statement regarding February 2026 Street Takeoverhttps://t.co/a5BQc1BvfG#FOP35 #MontgomeryCounty pic.twitter.com/TtB4RMTYsE
— FOP Lodge #35 (@MCLodge35) February 25, 2026
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