When witnesses called the dispatch centers, they were put on wait for over a half hour while crowds at an Austin, Texas street takeover caused mayhem by hurling pyrotechnics at police cars.
Many police cars were reportedly damaged by takeover goers pushing back and throwing pyrotechnics during what the Austin Police Department has referred as as a “street racing incident,” according to department authorities.
During the event in the city’s downtown, a car did donuts, injuring at least one police officer and setting many individuals on fire.
Local Council Member Alison Alter told the Austin American-Statesman that she spent 28 minutes on hold after discovering the takeover, which has now caused fury from the public.
According to figures from October, Austin’s average wait time for a 911 call was 2.5 minutes.
Police authorities stated the case is still being looked into in a statement posted on their social media platforms.
This kind of lawbreaking will lead to enforcement and arrest. The safety of our community is APD’s top concern, the agency said.
People are seen pushing back against a police car and pounding the bonnet of the car in one video of the takeover that was released on Twitter Saturday night.
When the throng pushes the vehicle back while using their arms and placards, sirens blare.
The person who shared the video on Twitter said the group “decided to push back” because they “didn’t enjoy when the cops stopped” their takeover.
The social media app has had 5.2 million views of the video.
Another takeover video provides a better view of the disorderly throng as they execute donuts in a pickup vehicle as the ground is aflame.
Many people are lit on fire at one point, and as they flee for cover while still on fire and pulling off their clothing.
Another video from the event capturing the “chaos” features fireworks.
Many vehicles can be seen doing donuts in the center of the busy crossroads while they wait for the signal to turn green.
The takeover was one of “a handful” being investigation by Austin Police at this time.
The Austin Police Association attributed the “chaos” on regional politicians, claiming that they “failed to make the correct judgments” and kept undermining, destroying, and demoralizing public safety.
Texas politicians were made aware of the occurrence via videos, and they responded by calling for action to halt the risky behavior.
Republican state representative Jeff Leach said that the local police are “undervalued, underpaid, and under assault.”
Republican Rep. Chip Roy stated, “I apologize to the APD officers who have to put up with this shit, just to have city politicians play games with your contract.”
Imagine, for a minute, assuming the happenings from last night coincided with significant events, a council member stated on Sunday.
The city, its citizens, and tourists are at risk of harm because there might be a catastrophic cascade failure caused by a lack of assistance from our police department, Kelly added.
»Police Officer is injured in Austin’s takeover«
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