LOS ANGELES, CA – Hundreds of street racers and spectators caused disruptions across the San Fernando Valley over the weekend, shutting down multiple intersections and drawing a response from law enforcement, authorities said.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported that the group staged illegal street takeovers at several intersections, including Devonshire Street and Arleta Avenue in Mission Hills, Woodley Avenue and Saticoy Street in Van Nuys, Mason Avenue and Plummer Street in Chatsworth, and Laurel Canyon Boulevard and Victory Boulevard in North Hollywood.
Videos shared online showed vehicles performing dangerous stunts, such as donuts and burnouts, while crowds surrounded the intersections. Some participants reportedly set off fireworks and pointed lasers at responding officers, escalating tensions between law enforcement and the crowd.
The LAPD tracked the movements of the group throughout the night but has not confirmed whether any arrests were made or vehicles impounded during the incident.
Street takeovers, also referred to as sideshows, have grown in frequency across Los Angeles in recent years, with authorities struggling to curb the dangerous gatherings. Critics have called for stricter enforcement and penalties, citing safety concerns for drivers, pedestrians, and law enforcement personnel.
In response to similar incidents, Los Angeles city officials have previously enacted ordinances to impound vehicles used in illegal street racing and increase penalties for spectators who attend or promote such events.
Despite these measures, street takeovers remain a challenge, particularly in the San Fernando Valley, where large parking lots and wide intersections are frequently used as gathering points.
Law enforcement agencies have urged the public to report information about illegal street racing events to authorities. Residents are encouraged to contact LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division at (818) 644-8000 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or lacrimestoppers.org.
The investigation into the weekend’s events remains ongoing, and officials are reviewing surveillance footage and social media posts to identify participants. Further updates are expected as the case develops.
