Car Takeover Chaos in Maryland: A Dangerous Trend Caught on Camera
The skies above Prince George’s County, Maryland, have become an unwitting witness to a dangerous new trend. Recently released aerial footage from the Prince George’s County Police Department reveals what authorities describe as “illegal car takeovers” – gatherings where dozens of spectators stand perilously close to vehicles spinning at high speeds in shopping center parking lots and other public spaces. These aren’t organized motorsport events with safety barriers and trained drivers; they’re impromptu, unregulated exhibitions that put both participants and bystanders at serious risk. The footage provides a bird’s-eye view of these chaotic scenes, where the line between entertainment and endangerment blurs with every tire screech.
The consequences of these takeovers moved beyond mere property damage when 18-year-old Naef Salmo of Millersville allegedly struck a female spectator while performing car spins at a shopping center on Landover Road in the early morning hours of September 14. According to police, instead of stopping to help the seriously injured woman, Salmo fled the scene. In what investigators describe as an attempt to cover his tracks, he reportedly spray-painted his vehicle a different color. The victim was hospitalized with serious injuries but has since been released. When authorities caught up with Salmo and searched his vehicle, they discovered more than just evidence of the collision—a handgun was hidden under the hood. During questioning, police say Salmo admitted responsibility for the hit-and-run, and now faces multiple charges including second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, riot, and obstructing a police officer.
“We know these illegal vehicle takeovers may seem harmless to some, but the fact is, they can be dangerous,” Prince George’s County Police Chief George Nader emphasized in a statement. His words carry the weight of experience—beyond the recent injury, police have previously investigated a fatal shooting at one of these car takeovers. What begins as thrill-seeking entertainment can quickly evolve into tragedy. These events represent a particularly challenging form of public safety threat: they’re mobile, often organized through social media with little advance notice, and can disband before authorities arrive. The participants seem to underestimate both the physics involved when heavy vehicles spin at high speeds and how quickly things can go wrong when untrained drivers perform stunts without safety protocols.
The release of this footage occurs against the backdrop of a heated political debate over crime in Maryland. Governor Wes Moore has invited former President Donald Trump to participate in a “safety walk” in Baltimore, intended to highlight crime reduction efforts in the state. This invitation appears to be in response to Trump’s criticisms of Moore’s administration. In August, Trump posted on Truth Social claiming there was “NO CRIME AND NO MURDER IN DC” after just one week, implying his policies would be more effective. He continued by stating he would “proudly ‘walk the streets'” with the “failing, because of Crime, Governor of Maryland” once Baltimore—which Trump characterized as “the 4th WORST CITY IN THE NATION IN CRIME & MURDER”—showed similar improvement. The political sparring over public safety issues comes at a time when Maryland communities are dealing with not only traditional crime concerns but also these emerging dangerous activities like car takeovers.
What makes these car takeovers particularly concerning to law enforcement and community members is their unpredictable nature and the multiple layers of risk they present. Beyond the immediate danger of vehicles spinning out of control near crowds, these events often bring together other elements that can escalate the danger: large, uncontrolled gatherings; the presence of firearms (as discovered in Salmo’s case); alcohol or other substances that impair judgment; and the peer pressure that can push drivers to take increasingly dangerous risks to impress spectators. When things go wrong, as they did in the September 14 incident, the chaotic nature of these gatherings makes it difficult to identify responsible parties, render aid to injured persons, or secure evidence. The psychological element cannot be overlooked either—the adrenaline rush and social media fame that come from participating in or filming these events create powerful incentives that override reasonable safety concerns.
As Prince George’s County and other Maryland communities grapple with this dangerous trend, the approach must be multifaceted. Enforcement alone may not be sufficient to address the cultural and social aspects that make these takeovers appealing, particularly to young drivers. Community engagement, education about the real risks involved, and perhaps even creating legitimate, safe alternatives for car enthusiasts to showcase their vehicles and driving skills could be part of a comprehensive solution. Meanwhile, the criminal justice system will continue processing cases like Salmo’s, sending a message that these aren’t victimless crimes but serious offenses with potentially life-altering consequences—both for those injured and for the participants who may face significant legal penalties. The aerial footage released by police serves not just as evidence but as a sobering reminder of how quickly the pursuit of excitement can transform into a scene of chaos and injury.
