Fresno Police on alert after social media takeover post gains attention

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno police say they will have a heightened presence across the city this weekend amid concerns over a potential "takeover" event publicized on social media.

Flyers circulating online have raised alarms about a possible takeover in Fresno, prompting police to prepare for increased enforcement in major gathering areas as residents head out to enjoy spring weather and scheduled events.

"Takeovers came to the forefront right after COVID," said Bruce Thomas, a law enforcement expert. "It was a way for people to get out under social media. Unfortunately, they have morphed into something a little more dangerous."

Law enforcement agencies across the country have raised concerns about the trend, which can include sideshows, large brawls and robberies.

In the Bay Area, the California Highway Patrol and San Francisco Police shut down a planned Bay Bridge takeover involving a large bicyclist group. In New York, police arrested one person in connection with a chaotic takeover in a neighborhood, where video showed a car doing dangerous stunts in the middle of an intersection.

"They basically just showcase their own car or their own antics, if we will, and that's what we call it in law enforcement," Thomas said. "The only problem is, it's very dangerous for the driver, the spectator, and the businesses in the area."

Fresno Police plan to have a large number of officers this weekend in locations where a takeover could potentially occur. The possibility of such events, however, has left community members uneasy.

"It has no name, it's anonymous which is probably the scariest thing," said DJ Criner, senior pastor at Saint Rest Baptist Church.

A busy Fresno shopping center told Action News it is aware of the situation and is working closely with police. Criner said he worries a takeover could ultimately put families at risk.

"But the scary part about it, if you don't understand the language, you're dropping your kid off to have a good time at the mall when realistically there's a message behind it," Criner said.

The person who originally posted the online flier has since backed away, saying it was meant as a joke. Fresno police, however, issued a stern warning on social media, stating, "These types of 'takeover' events will NOT be tolerated in our city."

California passed a law cracking down on street takeovers, allowing for jail time or hefty fines for those caught participating.

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