Courtesy Los Angeles County Politics
Bass touts 66 arrests in street takeover crackdown
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised a multi-agency law enforcement operation this weekend that led to 66 arrests and dispersed a crowd of more than 700 people gathered for an illegal street takeover at South Figueroa Street and West Alondra Boulevard.
More than 150 LAPD officers, along with personnel from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol, moved in around 3:20 a.m. Saturday as part of “Operation Street Sweeper,” according to LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, who held a press conference at the same intersection Saturday afternoon.
McDonnell said 66 people were arrested on suspicion of participating in or aiding a street race or takeover, with three additional arrests for assaulting an officer, battery and obstructing officers. Police issued 570 citations, including 442 to spectators and 128 to juveniles violating the city’s 10 p.m. curfew, and impounded roughly 200 vehicles.
According to Patch and MyNewsLA, the operation relied on drone technology and prior intelligence tracking four planned takeover sites that night, and the intersection had previously appeared on an LAPD list of the department’s most problematic takeover locations.
“Let me be clear: there is zero tolerance for illegal street racing and street takeovers in Los Angeles. These are inherently dangerous and put the lives of drivers, spectators, and innocent bystanders at risk. We will continue to prioritize prevention, deterrence, and enforcement to protect Angelenos, businesses, and neighborhoods and ensure those involved face consequences,” said Bass.
