Tempe police arrest adult, detain teens after Mill Avenue street takeover

TEMPE, Ariz. — Video shows the chaotic moments of a street takeover in downtown Tempe, where riders on dirt bikes, ATVs and e-bikes flooded streets and sidewalks. Creating dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians.

The Tempe Police Department recently shared videos of the take over that Saturday night at around 7:30 pm. A spokesperson said up to 200 people were involved.

The ages ranged from adults to as young as 10-years-old.

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Lindsey Fernandez with the police department said it started as a social media post and began in Phoenix, eventually leading to Mill Avenue. The riders were seen driving through red lights, blocking intersections, and driving into oncoming traffic.

Kevin Karwowski, who lives downtown, said he witnessed the takeover in person and recorded video showing one car stuck in the middle of the road as dozens of bikes drove past in the opposite direction.

“I was laying in bed originally, sleeping, and then I heard a bunch of honking outside, so I went to go check it out, and then there was just the whole stampede of just the bikes going straight down, like endless, then like turning straight onto the sixth street here, just continuously, like more and more coming down,” Karwowski said.

The takeover eventually ended when Fernandez said Tempe officers went after the riders. One man was arrested and multiple teenagers were detained. Given the size, the majority of suspects escaped.

“I feel like people could get hurt. I mean, people walking by, you could run into cars. I mean, there’s just a lot of bad things that could happen here,” said Kyle Quinlan after watching the video. 

“I think it is just kids being kids. I mean, there are limitations, or you have to have certain things you have to keep in mind for safety and stuff,” said Karwowski.

Fernandez said police are focused on preventing injuries rather than simply punishing young riders.

“We’re not out there to get young adults or teenagers or kids in trouble. We really want to make sure that everyone’s safe, and we encourage parents, adults, and kids to really look at what the laws are: one, to educate themselves, and two, just to prevent anybody from getting hurt,” Fernandez said.

No injuries were reported in this takeover.

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