LAPD Vows Intensified Crackdown After Massive Street Takeover
POLICY WIRE — Los Angeles, USA — In a resolute move, Los Angeles law enforcement has issued a stern warning following a large-scale operation that saw 66 arrests and the confiscation of over 200...
POLICY WIRE — Los Angeles, USA — In a resolute move, Los Angeles law enforcement has issued a stern warning following a large-scale operation that saw 66 arrests and the confiscation of over 200 vehicles.
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Over 150 LAPD officers, along with deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol, converged on South Figueroa Street and West Alondra Boulevard in Harbor Gateway at approximately 3:20 a.m. on Saturday. The area was the site of an unauthorized street gathering involving more than 700 individuals.
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The operation resulted in 66 arrests, around 570 citations, and the seizure of over 200 vehicles. Additionally, seven firearms and an unspecified quantity of nitrous oxide were confiscated.
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This is only the beginning, declared LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell during a press briefing at the scene later that day. Among those taken into custody were individuals suspected of assaulting a police officer, battery, and obstructing arrests.
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Of the 570 citations, 442 were issued to spectators of the illegal speed contest, and 128 minors, aged between 11 and 17, were cited for curfew violations.
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McDonnell noted that some of the seized vehicles were stolen, rented, or borrowed from parents who were unaware of their children’s activities. He emphasized, Nobody’s going to do that with their own vehicle. Know where your kids are. One single reckless decision can ruin their life. This is not harmless fun. This is criminal behavior.
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The chief made it clear that this operation was not a one-time event, vowing to continue such enforcement actions whenever possible. He also advocated for the destruction of vehicles involved in these illegal events.
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Mayor Karen Bass supported the initiative, stating, Zero tolerance for illegal street racing and takeovers. These activities are inherently dangerous and put the lives of drivers, spectators, and innocent bystanders at risk. We will continue to prioritize prevention, deterrence, and enforcement to protect Angelenos, businesses, and neighborhoods and ensure those involved face consequences.
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Media reports described the chaotic scenes as police moved in, with people scaling fences and fleeing through private yards. Some vehicles collided as drivers attempted to evade the police perimeter.
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City Councilman Tim McOsker highlighted the preparedness of the officers, noting that they had anticipated a takeover on the first night of Labor Day weekend and sealed off the intersection to prevent participants from escaping. He pointed out that residents had been enduring repeated disruptions from illegal racing at the intersection.
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We have good families and folks who are trying to live their lives. Every single weekend this intersection was taken over by this illegal racing, McOsker said.
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Street takeovers have been a persistent issue in Los Angeles County, with the problem escalating in recent weeks. Several of these gatherings have also been linked to nearby retail burglaries.
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In the past, many of these takeovers ended with few or no arrests as crowds dispersed before officers could intervene. However, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department recently announced new measures aimed at identifying and prosecuting organizers and participants, including arrests, vehicle impounds, citations, and criminal prosecutions.
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Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)