Dozens arrested after LAPD officers breakup street takeovers in North Hollywood, Sun Valley and several other L.A. County communities
Los Angeles Police Department officers arrested at least one person after breaking up a street takeover in North Hollywood Thursday evening.
It was one of several sideshows that broke out across San Fernando Valley, part of a growing trend law enforcement officials are hoping to stop before injuries and deaths from similar incidents increase.
Authorities were dispatched to the scene near Roscoe Boulevard and Coldwater Canyon Avenue just after 9 p.m., after learning of several street takeovers occurring in the area.
They arrested one person and detained at least 15 other people as they cleared the scene.
CBS reporters were also in Sun Valley Friday, where tire marks could still be seen all over the intersection after nearly 200 people gathered for the takeover.
Video from the scene shows spectators standing just feet away from a pair of vehicles performing doughnuts in the intersection, nearly getting hit as the driver comes to a skidding halt.
"A couple of kids in front of me were standing very close and they almost got hit," said Muro Gasisyan, who was on his way home from the gym Thursday evening when he ran into the takeover. "They were just doing doughnuts and the streets were blocked off."
In all, LAPD officers detailed that 39 arrests were made, 31 citations were given and 23 vehicles were also impounded. Additional video from the scene showed them dozens of people in handcuffs as their vehicles were hooked up to tow trucks.
As a result, California Highway Patrol officers and LAPD officers have joined to create a special task force designed to put an end to sideshows.
Officers spoke about the "wild night" with CBS reporters, detailing how their efforts were paid for by Los Angeles City Councilman Bob Blumenfield's office.
"We were out there because of community concerns," said Lieutenant Chris Porter, who also noted that there were a grand total of 10 takeovers Thursday. "It's also illegal to be a spectator at one of these events."
"I heard about it this morning," said one Chatsworth resident, where a different sideshow broke out at the intersection of De Soto Avenue and Plummer Street. "It's crazy, young people thing that they can live forever. It only takes a moment -- a split second -- and you're gone."
Earlier in May, an innocent bystander was killed during a takeover in Compton while riding their bike near an area where the incident was happening, one of many instances that has caused authorities to increase their efforts.
