Video captures reckless driving in New Haven

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — New Haven police are investigating a case of reckless driving caught on camera.

The video, captured near Shelton Avenue and Ivy Street, appears to show two cars swerving down Shelton Avenue. One of the cars crashes into both sides of the road, hitting road signs.

It all happened as both cars appear to have people dangerously hanging outside of the window.

In the background of the video children can be seen swinging at a nearby park. There is also a school and church close by.

“I just hear the ‘skrrring’ over and over again until I see them turn on my street and they’re going up and down my street driving crazy,” said Sumayia Sheikh, who says she witnessed the reckless driving behavior.

She said that there were four people in each car wearing ski masks.

“And there’s speed bumps here, so I guess it’s fun for them in the cars ,so they like to go up and down the street,” Sheikh said. “It’s dangerous. I’m a little scared to walk here, which is why we’re here at the park instead of just walking around the neighborhood.”

The motorists involved knocked over a road sign.

The city and police said the incident could be connected to the Kia Boys, which is a movement involving young people who hotwire and steal Kias and Hyundais. Mayor Justin Elicker said the city has been dealing with the issue for years.

“Frankly, we’re identifying four to five stolen cars a week,” Elicker said.  “One of the challenges that we face is that we arrest a person that is engaged in this kind of activity, and then shortly after they’re let out. Because the consequences are not significant, they will engage in the activity again.”

Police Chief Karl Jacobson added officers are having a tough time making arrests due to a state statute that prohibits them from pursuing stolen vehicles.

“Kids representing Kia Boys and that type of group, they drive recklessly, they’re really putting people at risk,” Jacobson said. “We cannot chase these cars — it’s too dangerous, and unfortunately, these kids know that and they continue to do it.”

Jacobson said as the department investigates the drivers seen in Sunday’s video, he plans to deploy additional traffic enforcement and have plain-clothes officers to the area. He is also putting out a reminder to neighbors to lock their vehicles and be vigilant.

Meanwhile, Elicker said the city is investing in youth programs to try and give young people “other options” besides turning to crime. He said the programs are centered around employment and community involvement.

“There’s many youth that are facing mental health challenges,” he said. “They don’t have the types of supports necessary sometimes at home.”

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