by Stephen Rivers
- CHP responded to racing reports on the I-110 near Long Beach.
- Participants were boxed in after stopping on a freeway bridge.
- Over 21 people were arrested and dozens of cars impounded.
Plenty of cities and states across the USA have issues with street takeovers and sideshows. Very few have proven that they can eradicate them. Officers from the South Los Angeles area just responded in a big way though.
When someone called asking for help with a takeover, they didn’t just show up: they arrested plenty of people and impounded dozens of cars. Of course, a bone-headed move by the participants made the job easier for police.
More: Chicago Street Takeover Participants Show No Fear Of Authorities
According to CHP, officers responded to reports of a large group of vehicles racing on the southern portion of the I-110 Freeway. Callers described a chaotic and dangerous scene involving numerous cars traveling at high speeds, effectively turning a public freeway into an impromptu race track. It’s where these folks stopped next that really changed the outcome, though.
Trapped at the Bridge
Rather than having to pick one or two targets to track on open highways, the group stopped on the International Gateway Bridge in Long Beach. When they did, officers basically boxed them in, leaving the participants and their vehicles with nowhere to run or hide.
By the end of the operation, officers had made more than 21 arrests and impounded dozens of vehicles, bringing the takeover to an abrupt stop.
CHP didn’t mince words afterward, calling street racing “maliciously reckless” and reminding the public that it puts innocent drivers at risk. Officers also called out a program called C-Watch, a community-based reporting program, for helping officers respond quickly.
The agency highlighted that public tips and real-time calls play a critical role in identifying large gatherings before they spiral further out of control.
This particular event demonstrates just how effective policing can be under the right circumstances. Nationwide, authorities have tried everything from semi-permanent road infrastructure to tracking participants with helicopters or drones.
Some of it has proven totally pointless. In other cases, departments have found moderate success. Maybe the plan moving forward should include driving takeover participants onto a bridge whenever possible.
Officers received multiple calls reporting a large group of vehicles street racing on the southern portion of the 110 Freeway. Officers caught up to the group; more than 21 arrests were made, and dozens of vehicles were impounded. Street racing endangers all lives. @Chp_SouthLA pic.twitter.com/QwN1H9Yqnq
