Antioch police arrested 11 people after the city was hit Saturday with an “unprecedented” number of screaming tire noises, Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe said.
Ten shows — events typically involving young people in hot cars burning rubber and performing driving stunts surrounded by enthusiastic crowds blocking roads or intersections — took place in Antioch on Saturday after 2 p.m., Hernandez-Thorpe said in a Facebook video posted Saturday around 10 p.m.
“It’s very disappointing,” Thorpe said. “It’s a shame to see so many young people running in these streets.”
The mayor promised that vehicular revelers – and some of their parents – would be held responsible.
As of Sunday afternoon, 11 people had been arrested for participating in entertainment or possessing stolen cars, the mayor said in a second Facebook post. Two stolen vehicles were recovered and six cars impounded, he said.
Hernandez-Thorpe said he expected more arrests.
“Even though to some it may seem like they got away, remember that Antioch has very, very good technology that the police department uses to track people down and then arrest and prosecute them in justice at the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office,” the mayor said, adding that two additional shows were underway at the time he took the video.
Antioch has installed surveillance cameras and automated license plate readers. After a large spectacle in April, including fireworks, blocked an intersection, Hernandez-Thorpe said police used drones to capture images of license plate numbers.
The mayor also targeted the parents of the show participants on Saturday. “In most of these cases, these cars are registered in their parents’ names, so you will also pay heavy fines when we find you and hold you accountable for these actions,” he said.
The California Highway Patrol helps Antioch quell events that Hernandez-Thorpe said could affect public safety by consuming police resources. “You may see helicopters over the city of Antioch … as we continue to combat these spectacles,” he said.
“No one is safe from this. I received several calls today from my neighbors telling me about a show that took place…near my house.
In February, the Antioch City Council unanimously approved a first reading of an ordinance allowing fines of up to $1,000 and up to six months in prison for those who organize or advertise races illegal street activities, shows and reckless driving events. But during the second reading, which is usually just a formality, the new rules were invalidated.
Hernandez-Thorpe said Saturday’s performances provided an example of the importance of the ordinance and said he would bring it back.
“It’s not fair that we have to live with this kind of nonsense in our community,” he said.
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