NORFOLK, Va. — Neighbors in Norfolk's Ghent area captured video of a chaotic scene Sunday evening where a group of dozens of young people appeared to be doing donuts, setting off fireworks and using what appears to be a flamethrower to light the street ablaze.
Video shared with News 3 shows a ring of fire at the intersection of Redgate Avenue and Greenway Court in the West Ghent area, near a playground, around 8:30 p.m. Sunday.
In the video, a person in a mask is holding the apparent flamethrower in the air with flames shooting out. Moments later, screaming is heard and what appears to be a firework goes off in the middle of the street.
Neighbors told News 3's Anthony Sabella that they called the police and one unit showed up, along with a firetruck. When they arrive, the crowd scattered, neighbors said.
Other video taken by neighbors shows cars spinning out, doing donuts, and creating big plumes of smoke.
“A real Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift stuff. Like it’s cool, but not in my neighborhood, please," said Chris Churnick, who lives in an apartment building at the intersection where the incident happened.
Neighbors told News 3 that there appeared to be a 20-minute delay in response from Norfolk police after the initial call.
“They rolled one unit through with his lights and sirens. They heard him coming down Hampton. Everybody skedaddled, up the street, up the sidewalk, no care for pedestrians," said Churnick.
We reached out to NPD, who said Monday afternoon that the initial call was received at 8:22 p.m. and they sent an office five minutes later, but that officer had to be diverted to another call. NPD then sent another officer at 8:38 p.m. who arrived at 8:40.
NPD said they monitor car events and street takeovers events proactively. They are investigating this incident and could bring charges to those involved.
No injuries were reported, police say.
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