CLEVELAND — Just days after News 5 investigators showed how Columbus is cracking down on illegal street takeovers, we’ve learned Cleveland has some things in the works.

Columbus used stopsticks during Operation Burnout.

What Cleveland Learns from Columbus’ Success in Stopping Street Takeovers

News 5 investigators found that Cleveland is taking cues from other cities and buying what they use to take back the streets.

Columbus arrested 186 people in one night using stop sticks, which can burst tires.

Records we obtained revealed that police had considered bringing them here and that the city wanted to make physical changes to the intersections before weather conditions changed.

At W. 25th Street and Lorain Avenue, there are faint reminders of burnout.

“The rain took it away, the traffic took it away,” Greg Gacka said.

The Ohio City intersection has been a target for spectacles. In one case, two men are accused of creating a ring of fire with gasoline.

Real-time crime cameras captured a ring of fire at W. 25th and Lorain.

Car street takeover and burning circle of fire

News 5 Investigators asked Gacka if it had gotten quieter.

“Yes. There was no burnout,” Gacka said.

Last month’s street attacks woke Gacka and his neighbors. Frustrations came from numerous calls to 911. People also expressed anger at the appearance of police doing nothing.

“Well, I think you brought attention to this topic and other people followed your lead in raising awareness about this topic in the city,” Gacka said.

Last week we took you to Columbus to show you how police threw stop sticks at cars during Operation Burnout.

Columbus police entered up to 50 cars and arrested 186 people in one night.

It was a week after dangerous drivers shut down Cleveland streets and Interstate 90.

So far, only three people have been arrested in the Cleveland case.

“Those spikes were incredible,” Gacka said.

News 5 investigators obtained notes from an Oct. 10 meeting of District 4 supervisors.

It shows that the division plans to acquire stopsticks for all zone cars.

But here’s what the police told us.

“We are studying the feasibility of acquiring stop sticks, which includes researching the feasibility and applicability,” said Sergeant Wilfredo Diaz.

Police union President Andy Gasiewski says training in the use of stop sticks is essential for the safety of officers and other drivers.

“The only thing that CPPA asks and requires is that members be trained in their use,” Gasiewski said.

Another tactic would be to modify the city’s intersections.

News 5 Investigators discovered this email sent from Cleveland Deputy Police Chief Jarod Schlacht to Columbus police.

Schlacht said he purchased a milling machine to try to prevent buyouts.

According to the email, the plan is to install grooves at major intersections, a tactic Kansas City uses and appears to be working.

“I heard it would rip and deflate the tires,” Kansas City Councilman Crispin Rea told our sister station.

The city of Cleveland confirmed that public works has purchased equipment and is working with police, who are leading the pilot program.

Police say they have not made a formal commitment to the plan.

“I think creativity is a good thing if you’re one step ahead of people who burn themselves out by destroying the conditions they find favorable. It’s great,” Gacka said.

Gacka likes the systematic approach to arrests Cleveland takes.

“I think there needs to be a change in tactics. I don’t know if the Columbus model will work here, but the prosecutions should certainly help,” Gacka said.

In the same email, the deputy chief said they were going to start with large steel construction plates near intersections that would damage tires during rough driving. This was called an immediate solution.