Officers seize 13 vehicles, arrest 2 in connection with street takeover ‘spectacles’ in San Diego
Law enforcement seized 13 vehicles and arrested two people suspected of participating in illegal street occupation “sideshow” events earlier this year in the city of San Diego, authorities announced Thursday.
San Diego police, assisted by California Highway Patrol officers, used court orders to take possession of the vehicles on April 30 and May 2. Additionally, two people were arrested on suspicion of vandalism, reckless driving and speeding, police Lt. Deana De. Los Reyes said in a press release.
The joint investigation identified more than 23 vehicles and “several individuals” participating in the illegal events, which police say can endanger drivers and pedestrians and damage streets and other property.
Street takeovers typically involve dozens of bystanders blocking intersections, creating space for drivers to do “donuts,” “burnouts” and other potentially dangerous driving maneuvers. Authorities say street takeovers sometimes result in injuries and lead to violence.
De Los Reyes said those arrested were involved in show takeovers that took place in February and March.
On February 24, approximately 200 people gathered at several intersections for takeover events, including in Mira Mesa, La Jolla Village, Kearny Mesa, Spring Valley, downtown San Diego, Barrio Logan and Otay Mesa, she declared. Authorities said the events caused nearly $24,000 worth of damage to roads in those communities.
On March 10, nearly 200 people staged an “unsanctioned car meet” in the Target parking lot in Mira Mesa. Event participants caused more than $15,000 in property damage during the event, officials said.
Police have cracked down on secondary events in recent years. Over the 2022 Labor Day weekend, for example, officers arrested 11 people and cited 51 involved in the events.
Last Saturday, officers were able to stop a group from putting on two shows after learning that events were being planned.
The group attempted to “take over” the intersection of Ocean View Boulevard and Gloria Street in Lincoln Park, but was thwarted, officials said. The same motorists then attempted to turn onto Cedar Street and Grove Street in South Park, but were also dispersed, De Los Reyes said.
During one of the incidents, officers stopped a vehicle suspected of being part of the show and seized a loaded, unregistered firearm that was discovered inside the vehicle, police said. One of the occupants of the vehicle was arrested,
“These dangerous acts often result in injury or death, property damage, hit-and-run collisions and fraud and pose serious dangers to the public,” the police press release states. “These activities have caused injuries and deaths across the county, state and country. Those involved in these criminal acts will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
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