Full Notification

The CHP recently identified and noticed an increase of sideshow/street racing activities in Southern California. These events continually draw in participants who create a public safety hazard through their unsafe driving and obstruction of public roadways. As a result of their aggressive driving, assault with deadly weapons, shootings and general disturbances of peace frequently occur in our communities.

These events have directly impacted public access to roadways, businesses, and private property. Acts of vandalism by spectators aiding and abetting in street racing have been committed against innocent motorists attempting to pass through these illegal events. Because of this, the CHP partnered with LAPD and LASD to create a street racing detail to aggressively put a stop to these dangerous activities.

On Saturday December 27, 2014, the CHP, LAPD and LASD, collaborated in an operation to deter illegal street racing, stunt driving and cruising in Athens, Huntington Park, Walnut Park and North Long Beach communities. An example of these illegal activities was when the Eastbound Interstate 105 from Crenshaw Blvd to Vermont Ave was temporarily closed by these groups by stopping traffic with their cars and taking over the freeway in order to race. CHP responded promptly and took enforcement action.

The operation was a great success for the CHP. A total of 18 arrests, 27 citations and 26 vehicles impounded. Individuals were arrested on charges related to the following:

-stolen firearms/stolen vehicles -possession of narcotics
-evading arrest -outstanding warrant arrests
-DUI -reckless driving while being unlicensed

Sideshows are reckless, unsafe and unlawful. They pose an extreme danger to those participating in the activity, other motorists and bystanders. People involved in these activities should expect the CHP to take decisive action against them, including citations with enhanced fines, vehicle impoundments and jail time for felony and misdemeanor charges.

If any member of the public is witness or endangered by this type of action, call 9-1-1 and provide license plate numbers, descriptions of vehicles and subjects involved.