Drivers Block Covington Highway Intersection in DeKalb, Perform Donuts and Ignite Fireworks Overnight

Overnight gathering disrupted traffic at a major DeKalb intersection

An overnight street gathering on Covington Highway in DeKalb County briefly shut down traffic and drew a police response after drivers were recorded performing spinning stunts in the middle of an intersection and setting off a firework.

The incident occurred at the intersection of Covington Highway and Wesley Chapel Road, where video shows multiple vehicles stopping at a traffic light and then rotating in tight circles—commonly referred to as “donuts”—while a crowd watched nearby. In the footage, at least one firework is ignited during the activity.

Police responded to the location and the crowd dispersed. As of publication, authorities had not publicly confirmed whether arrests were made or whether citations were issued in connection with the event.

How “intersection takeovers” typically unfold

Events of this type—often described by law enforcement as street takeovers—are typically characterized by drivers and spectators converging on an intersection or roadway, blocking regular traffic and creating space for drifting, donuts and other high-risk maneuvers. In metro Atlanta, authorities have described these gatherings as coordinated and mobile, with participants sharing locations through messaging apps and social media and shifting sites quickly when police arrive.

Law enforcement agencies in the region have also indicated that they track suspected takeover activity using a combination of real-time intelligence sharing between jurisdictions and camera networks, including traffic and transportation cameras, to identify locations and vehicles connected to these events.

Public safety risks and potential violations

Even when no crash is visible in video, the combination of blocked intersections, uncontrolled crowds and high-speed or tight-radius vehicle maneuvers can create immediate hazards for bystanders and other motorists. Fireworks in close proximity to vehicles and groups of people can further raise the risk of injury, property damage, or secondary incidents if startled drivers attempt to flee.

Georgia traffic and criminal laws can apply to conduct commonly seen during takeovers, including reckless driving, obstructing a roadway and exhibition driving-type behavior. When vehicles flee a scene or crowd behavior escalates, additional charges may apply depending on the facts of a specific incident.

What remains unknown

• How long the intersection was blocked and how many vehicles were involved.
• Whether any arrests, citations, or vehicle seizures resulted.
• Whether any crashes, injuries, or property damage were reported in connection with the gathering.

Authorities have not publicly released details on enforcement outcomes from the Covington Highway incident.

Officials are expected to provide additional information if charges are filed or if an investigation identifies drivers or organizers connected to the overnight takeover.