3 Arrested, Loaded Gun Recovered After 200-Rider Street Takeover Sweeps Across Suffolk County
SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. — Three people were arrested, a loaded handgun was recovered, and 10 vehicles were impounded after an illegal street takeover involving an estimated 200 ATVs, dirt bikes, and motorcycles swept across multiple Suffolk County communities on Saturday afternoon.
Police said the incident began at approximately 4:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, after multiple 911 callers reported a large group of riders driving recklessly and performing dangerous stunts along Route 347 in Hauppauge. Body-worn camera footage released by the Suffolk County Police Department captures dozens of ATV, dirt bike, and motorcycle riders swarming the roadway, performing stunts, and effectively taking over the road as motorists were forced to navigate around the group.
Officers assigned to the Fourth Precinct responded to the area, where two people were arrested, and several vehicles were impounded. Authorities said the group then dispersed before regrouping near Motor Parkway and Express Drive South in Brentwood.
Courtesy: Suffolk County Police
Police said Highway Patrol officers and Third Precinct officers continued monitoring the group as it traveled through Bay Shore. At approximately 6:30 p.m., two ATVs became disabled, prompting their operators to flee on foot. One of the suspects was apprehended and found to be in possession of a loaded handgun, resulting in additional felony charges.
According to Suffolk County Police:
Ava Mongiello, 23, of Mount Sinai, was charged with Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, and Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer.
Jahkil Arroyo, 29, of Central Islip, was charged with Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, and Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer.
Both were issued Desk Appearance Tickets.
Courtesy: Suffolk County Police
A third suspect, Shamir Solomon, 22, of Roosevelt, was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, as well as Unlawful Speed Contest and Reckless Driving. He was held overnight at the Third Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned Sunday at First District Court in Central Islip.
In total, 10 vehicles were impounded during the enforcement operation.
Courtesy: Suffolk County Police
Courtesy: Suffolk County Police
The arrests come just over a week after Suffolk County Police's Street Takeover Task Force shut down an illegal street racing event in East Farmingdale on July 17, resulting in 12 vehicles being seized, nine arrests, and 46 traffic summonses.
The Street Takeover Task Force was launched in November 2024 before becoming a permanent unit focused on combating illegal street racing, reckless driving exhibitions, and coordinated takeover events across Suffolk County. The task force works alongside criminal intelligence investigators to identify organized gatherings, monitor social media activity, and respond to dangerous driving incidents that threaten public safety.
