Full Notification

Today the Escondido Police Department, in conjunction with the San Diego Police Department and the California Highway Patrol, impounded 11 vehicles that were involved in illegal and dangerous activities during an otherwise peaceful protest earlier in the week in Escondido. The owners of those vehicles were residents of Escondido, Vista, San Marcos and San Diego.
The vehicle seizures were ordered by a judge under a law that allows for 30-day impounds for violations of reckless driving and other dangerous activities.
Additional vehicles have been identified, and investigators continue their search for them. Several drivers face criminal charges for significant damage done to the roadway.
As the protest on January 29 continued into the evening hours at the corner of Escondido Boulevard and Washington Avenue, numerous vehicles arrived and began performing “burnouts” and “donuts” on the street and in an adjacent parking lot, in close proximity to a large group of people. Sometimes referred to as street takeovers, they often lead to property damage, injuries to spectators and participants and even deaths.
In the coming weeks, several groups plan to demonstrate around San Diego County against recent immigration and deportation activities.
“The effort to provide orderly and safe venues for anyone wishing to exercise their First Amendment rights requires regional participation from law enforcement,” said Interim Chief of Police Erik Witholt. “We thank the California Highway Patrol, the San Diego Police Department’s Traffic Special Investigations Unit and the California Office of Traffic Safety for their support and assistance today.”
“The Escondido Police Department and our law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the rights of individuals to express their views peacefully,”  Witholt said. “However, when drivers choose to block roadways, occupy intersections and commit other acts that pose a clear and present danger to attendees and the public, we will act to restore order and safety. Violations of the law will be thoroughly investigated and those responsible may face criminal charges.”