A group of supercar enthusiasts in Southern California is feeling pretty down after police conducted a sting operation during what was advertised as a photo shoot. The Los Angeles Police Department’s Street Racing Task Force announced on Sunday that multiple drivers received citations for trespassing, leading to 72 vehicles being impounded in the Los Angeles River Channel near Cypress Park.
In this incident, two individuals were arrested on felony charges related to carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle, while one driver faced 83 misdemeanor counts for loitering. There were videos circulating on social media showing a large number of hot rod drivers gathering in the river channel, and aerial footage displayed one of the cars being loaded onto a tow truck.
It appears that the event was sparked by a flyer circulated online promoting a group photo opportunity in the 400 block of North San Fernando Road. Some drivers claimed they were unaware that entering the river channel was illegal. “Some people keep their cars for 30 days. It costs about $3,000 to get rid of them,” remarked Alexander Pimienta, whose motorcycle was among those seized. He expressed frustration at being charged with trespassing despite not engaging in reckless behavior. He noted that while there were some drivers doing burnouts, they had left the area before the police arrived.
Angel Rodriguez, another car owner, acknowledged that a few drivers were acting out but emphasized that he only intended to take photos. “It was supposed to be just a photo,” he said about his seized Mustang.
The Los Angeles River Channel is designated as a flood control facility, making it illegal for vehicles to access it. Some drivers were surprised to learn that they had broken the law by entering the area. The timeline for retrieving their impounded vehicles remains uncertain, and inquiries about the situation have been directed to the Los Angeles Police Department for further details.
