Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse police are investigating a recent incident where a driver came across a makeshift barricade in the Strathmore neighborhood to stop cars late at night.
This week, police received a report of a deliberate line of items blocking a road in the Strathmore neighborhood, according to Syracuse police spokesperson Lt. Matthew Malinowski.
When the barricade forced a vehicle to slow down, a group of people rushed toward the car, Malinowski said. It is unclear what the intention of the group was, he said.
Malinowski speculated that the barricade may be connected to a Tik Tok challenge that encourages people to shoot people and property with Orbeez, small beads that grow larger in water, with toy guns.
He was not able to confirm this was the motivation of the group that created the barricade.
The barricade was clearly intentional, Malinowski said. The items were placed in a line that made it obvious they were not blown into the street, he said.
While police are only aware of one incident they believe other barricades may pop up in other parts of the city and county as well, Malinowski said.
Malinowski warns drivers to be on high alert if they see bizarre items clearly intended to block the road and asked that people who experience this to reach out to the police.
“If you see something, say something,” he said.
Police do not want people to worry if they see items like cones or other traffic barriers blocking roads, Malinowski said. However, if you see items lined up that are not meant to be in the roadway, don’t hesitate to call the police, he said.
One person who ran into this barricade told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard that there was a line of trash cans and trash bags that were clearly placed there on purpose which sent alarm bells ringing in that person’s head.
Malinowski said that drivers should always listen to their instincts and do what makes them feel safe.
He recommended that anyone who comes across a makeshift barricade stay in their car, turn around and call police once they are safely away from the area.
The investigation into the incident is active and police are working to determine the motives of the people who blocked the roadway, Malinowski said.
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If you or someone you know has run into a makeshift barricade in Onondaga County please reach out to ahayes@syracuse.com.
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Staff writer Anne Hayes covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at ahayes@syracuse.com.
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