On Saturday, October 10, 2026, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Street Takeover Task Force (STTF) deputies and detectives responded to the area of McNab Avenue and Rosecrans Avenue in the City of Bellflower after Lakewood Sheriff’s Station received a call reporting a possible street takeover at the intersection.
Plainclothes detectives arrived and determined a street takeover was not occurring at that time, however, they observed a large group of individuals and vehicles gathered in the parking lot of a local gas station located at 10300 block of Rosecrans Avenue. Detectives observed several individuals were openly ingesting nitrous oxide and consuming alcoholic beverages in the parking lot.
While conducting surveillance of the location, detectives also observed the gas station clerk selling nitrous oxide to individuals gathered in the parking lot.
Based on the number of individuals and vehicles congregating at the location, the reported street takeover activity in the immediate area, and the open use and sale of nitrous oxide, STTF personnel believed the gathering presented an imminent public safety hazard and a high probability of significant potential for additional illegal and reckless driving activity.
STTF personnel developed an enforcement plan and responded to the location. Deputies detained the individuals observed possessing or ingesting nitrous oxide, along with the store clerk, pending further investigation. The parking lot was littered with dozens of balloons and nitrous oxide tanks.
During the enforcement action, one individual fled from deputies. STTF personnel maintained awareness of the individual’s location and directed responding deputies to him nearby, where he was detained without further incident.
A total of 10 individuals were arrested. Nine individuals were arrested for offenses related to the unlawful possession of nitrous oxide, and the store clerk was arrested for the illegal sale of nitrous oxide.
Vanessa Trevino FH/20 - Norwalk
Elsayed Elgharib MO/21 - Norwalk (clerk)
Adrian Ramirez MH/20 - Norwalk
Brandon Melendez MH/21 - Downey
Jeremy Ariaga MH/042102 - Downey
Andrew Aguilar MH/20 - Norwalk
Sylvia Baeza Stauffer FW/18 - Temecula
Amaya Johnson FW/18 - Temecula
Ammar Alqaydoom MO/23- Downey
Bryan Avalon MH/19 - Orange
As part of the ongoing investigation, STTF detectives authored and served a search warrant at the location. Additional investigative resources assisted in preserving and collecting potential video evidence related to the investigation.
Following the investigation, the business was locked and secured at the direction of the clerk, who declined to provide deputies with contact information for the business owner.
Nitrous oxide use has become increasingly associated with illegal street takeovers and sideshows, where it is commonly used by both spectators and participants. The illegal sale and use of nitrous oxide create additional public-safety concerns and is frequently encountered alongside the dangerous driving activity associated with these events.
Just last week in the City of Lynwood, STTF deputies observed an individual driving a vehicle while ingesting nitrous oxide. Before deputies could position themselves to conduct an enforcement stop, the driver crashed into two parked vehicles, injuring a female passenger. The driver was subsequently arrested on suspicion of felony driving under the influence causing injury.
Although investigators cannot definitively determine what would have occurred had STTF personnel not intervened, the circumstances surrounding the gathering were concerning and consistent with activity frequently encountered in connection with illegal street takeovers and other dangerous vehicle related events. The coordinated enforcement and investigative response disrupted the gathering before it could develop further and potentially prevented a street takeover, impaired driving incident, serious collision, or other criminal activity.
This operation demonstrates STTF’s proactive approach to combating illegal street takeovers and the criminal activity associated with them. The integration of uniformed enforcement personnel and experienced investigative resources allows STTF to identify and disrupt potentially dangerous activity before it escalates, rather than simply responding after a takeover, collision, or other serious incident has already occurred.
The public plays an important role in helping law enforcement prevent illegal street takeovers. Community members are encouraged to report planned or ongoing street takeovers, illegal street racing, and other dangerous driving to their local law enforcement agency.
If you encounter a street takeover, remain at a safe distance, avoid the area whenever possible, and contact law enforcement.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will continue to monitor street takeover activity, conduct targeted enforcement operations, and collaborate with law enforcement partners and communities to help keep Los Angeles County communities safe.
For additional information, please contact the Sheriff’s Information Bureau at (213) 229-1850.
Anyone with additional information regarding this incident or upcoming street takeover activity is urged to contact the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station at (562) 623-3500 or make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
Forwarded by:
Sheriff's Information Bureau
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
211 West Temple Street,
Los Angeles California 90012
213-229-1700
http://www.lasd.org
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Robert G. Luna, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
