East Hartford man charged with riot in connection to street takeovers

TOLLAND, Conn. (WTNH) — An East Hartford man has been charged for his role in a May 2023 street takeover in Tolland, Connecticut State Police announced on Friday.

Jaki S. Haynes, 21, led a “car club” behind the events, according to police. During the takeovers, participants street raced, set of illegal fireworks and damaged property.

He turned himself in on Thursday after police received a warrant for his arrest last week.

He has been charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree riot, accessory to commit first-degree riot and inciting a riot. He has been released on a $25,000 bond and will next appear in court on May 7.

Connecticut State Police Sgt. Luke Davis said the charges are “serious.”

“These people are engaging in violent, aggressive, reckless behavior, and the key message that we really want to send home is that things cannot and will not be tolerated on Connecticut roadways,” he said.

An arrest warrant states that Haynes called a violent Tolland takeover as “Sunday Funday” and talked about scoping out locations as “We looking at some spots in the boonies.” Another comment said that “Each meet just keeps getting better and better.”

Police expect to make more arrests.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.