The troubling street occupations in Los Angeles are escalating in violence, and authorities are worried that things might get even worse as summer unfolds.
This year alone, LAPD has conducted over 90 roadside operations, resulting in 79 arrests and the seizure of 114 racing cars, four stolen vehicles, and four firearms. Unfortunately, the situation is dire—at least five people were shot dead in the county during recent street takeovers, including incidents just this past weekend.
Officials are reporting an increase in violent crimes associated with these illegal gatherings. “We’re witnessing robberies, rapes, shootings, murders, and stabbings,” remarked Sgt. Jesse Garcia of the LAPD’s street racing task force.
He shared concerns about the growing audacity of these events. “It’s only increasing, becoming more violent, more noisy, and more brazen,” he stated.
One tragic incident occurred early Sunday morning in Rosemead, where deputies responded to a report of a takeover at Del Mar and Garvey streets. Sadly, they arrived too late to prevent the shooting that claimed the lives of four individuals, including two teenagers.
Just a day later, deputies faced another incident in the Florence-Firestone neighborhood, again arriving too late to stop the shooting of a hijacker, who was transported to the hospital in uncertain condition.
Historically, last year, the LAPD task force handled 678 takeovers and made 292 related arrests, retrieving 483 race cars and recovering 103 stolen vehicles along with 18 firearms.
Garcia noted that such illegal activities tend to spike in the summertime when the weather warms up and schools are out. “It’s getting hotter now,” he said.
While some participants in these takeovers are linked to street gangs, others are part of car clubs involved in criminal activities, he explained.
According to Garcia, “There are numerous car theft rings, along with issues like drug and human trafficking.” Interestingly, some of these clubs resemble motorcycle gangs in structure, with members paying dues to different chapters.
The rise in takeover incidents corresponds with activity along the Interstate 10 corridor that stretches from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Garcia pointed out that groups from various California regions converge on Los Angeles every weekend, looking to claim the streets.
In response to escalating activity, particularly in downtown Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass increased police patrols after an overwhelming mob attacked a luxury building near the LA Convention Center.
Garcia also observed that when law enforcement arrives, these groups often remain intact. “It’s not just kids having fun,” he stressed.
To address this, police employ unmarked vehicles equipped with patrol lights to catch perpetrators off guard. A police helicopter aids in identifying and pursuing suspects.
Efforts are underway to stack up arrests. For example, 22-year-old Eric Romero Quintana is currently on trial facing 16 charges, including conspiracy to commit reckless driving in relation to a takeover he allegedly organized. This event led to a tragic accident in which a 24-year-old woman lost her life.
Prosecutors claim Quintana managed the takeover through an Instagram account boasting over 60,000 followers. If found guilty, he could face up to 13 years behind bars.
