On June 23, Madison Police conducted an enforcement operation in the area of the East Towne Mall in response to an unsanctioned racing-related event that was scheduled to take place there, according to a police incident report. The event, referred to as “Madison Takeover 2024,” was slated to take place after the mall closed, with invitations circulating on social media.
Street racing and the resulting reckless driving behavior has been a top concern for the Madison Police Department as it has been associated with a number of fatalities on local roadways. The racing activity has also been linked to disturbances, drug use, and significant property damage. East Towne Mall management has reported hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage in the last few months, mainly to paved surfaces, as a result of car racing and burnouts on the premises.
During the Sunday night enforcement operation, members of the Community Policing Team, along with other officers, issued over 80 citations in the East Towne Mall and East Washington Avenue corridor. Most of the citations were for trespassing, but citations were also issued for speeding and reckless driving.
