Former Boston Police Officer, Teacher Assaulted During Violent Hollywood Street Takeover
Massive Group of Motorcyclists Shut Down North Federal Highway Before Attack Outside Local Pub
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — What began as another chaotic street takeover along one of Broward County’s busiest roadways escalated into violence after two men were allegedly assaulted by members of a large group of motorcyclists who had taken over North Federal Highway in Hollywood.
The incident occurred around 7 p.m. near Walsh’s Pub, located along North Federal Highway just south of Sheridan Street, where witnesses say a group of approximately 50 to 55 riders on dirt bikes and motorcycles blocked traffic, weaved through vehicles, and rode through the area without visible license plates.
According to witnesses and victims, the riders effectively brought traffic to a standstill as they occupied multiple lanes of the roadway, creating a dangerous situation for motorists attempting to navigate the busy corridor.
Attempt to Calm Situation Ends in Violence
Among those who witnessed the takeover were Patrick McConaghy, 77, a retired Boston police officer, and Stephen Backs, a local high school teacher. Both men were inside Walsh’s Pub when they heard the commotion outside and decided to investigate.
According to reports, McConaghy approached the group and attempted to reason with the riders, suggesting they leave the area before law enforcement arrived. Instead of de-escalating the situation, the interaction quickly turned hostile.
McConaghy was allegedly punched in the face during the confrontation, suffering a concussion. Backs and McConaghy had also begun recording the takeover on their cell phones, a move that reportedly angered some members of the group and intensified the dispute. As Backs attempted to intervene and shield McConaghy from further violence, he was allegedly attacked as well. Witnesses say Backs was struck and knocked backward, falling to the ground unconscious.
Brother Witnesses Frightening Scene
Stephen Backs’ brother, William Backs, witnessed the attack and immediately called 911. According to William, the aftermath was terrifying. He later described seeing his brother lying on the ground with his eyes open but unresponsive.
The sight, he said, “scared the hell out of me.”
Although Stephen initially declined transportation to a hospital because he believed his injuries were minor, he later realized the seriousness of the assault. Two days after the incident, he was reportedly still suffering from a large lump on his head that continued to bleed.
Growing Concerns Over Street Takeovers
The assault has renewed concerns among residents and business owners about the growing number of street takeovers occurring throughout Broward County. Witnesses at the scene told reporters that similar incidents have become increasingly common in communities including Hollywood and Dania Beach.
Street takeovers typically involve large groups of riders or drivers gathering on public roadways to perform stunts, block intersections, disrupt traffic, and evade identification through the use of unregistered or concealed license plates.
Backs later said he believed the riders felt emboldened because of their numbers and the difficulty law enforcement faces identifying individuals once a large group disperses. According to Backs, the lack of visible license plates appeared to create a sense of invincibility among participants.
Police Investigating Assault
Both victims have filed official reports with the Hollywood Police Department and have indicated they intend to pursue criminal charges against those responsible. Hollywood Police confirmed that the assault remains under active investigation. While authorities acknowledged concerns about the broader street takeover trend affecting South Florida communities, investigators are currently focused on identifying those involved in this specific attack.
As of publication, no arrests have been announced. Investigators are expected to review witness statements, cell phone recordings, surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and any additional evidence that could help identify suspects. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Hollywood Police Department.
Public Safety Questions Remain
The attack highlights a growing challenge for South Florida law enforcement agencies as large, organized street takeovers continue to disrupt public roadways and place motorists, pedestrians, and bystanders at risk.
For the victims involved, what began as an attempt to document and discourage dangerous behavior quickly became a violent encounter that left one man with a concussion and another unconscious on the pavement. As the investigation continues, residents and local business owners are hoping those responsible will be identified and held accountable before another street takeover turns violent.
Enough Is Enough: Real Consequences Are Long Overdue
At some point, communities have to stop pretending these events are harmless acts of youthful rebellion. Street takeovers shut down public roads, endanger innocent drivers, drain law enforcement resources, damage property, and increasingly lead to injuries and violence.
In Hollywood, a 77-year-old retired police officer suffered a concussion and a local teacher was knocked unconscious after confronting a group that had taken over a major roadway. Incidents like this are becoming far too common across South Florida. If participants knew that simply taking part in an illegal street takeover would result in a mandatory 90 day jail sentence, many would think twice before joining the crowd. Public roads belong to everyone, not to mobs looking to turn busy highways into stunt arenas.
Anyone who participates in a street takeover should spend 90 days in jail — end of story.
