A large multi-agency show of force descended on a street takeover in South Los Angeles early Saturday, resulting in hundreds of citations, dozens of arrests, and the impounding of over 200 vehicles. The operation, staged by a task force of more than 150 officers from the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and California Highway Patrol, took place around 3:20 a.m. at the intersection of South Figueroa Street and West Alondra Boulevard.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell announced later Saturday afternoon that 66 people were arrested. These included one individual suspected of assault on a police officer, another for battery, and one for obstructing an arrest. Authorities issued 570 citations, with 442 given to spectators at a speed contest and 128 to juveniles between 11 and 17 years old for curfew violations. Officers also seized seven firearms and recovered an undisclosed amount of nitrous oxide. More than 200 vehicles were impounded, some of which were reported stolen, rented, or borrowed from “unknowing parents,” according to McDonnell.
At a news conference held at the scene, Chief McDonnell promised, “This is only the beginning,” of intensified efforts to combat street takeovers. He urged parents to “Know where your kids are,” adding that such activities are “not harmless fun” but “criminal behavior.” The chief also indicated that officers would conduct more such operations as staffing allowed, making further arrests and seizing more vehicles, which he expressed a desire to see crushed. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed this sentiment, stating there is “zero tolerance for illegal street racing and street takeovers in Los Angeles.” She emphasized that these events are “inherently dangerous” and vowed to maintain pressure through prevention, deterrence, and enforcement.
City Councilman Tim McOsker highlighted the impact on residents, noting that for families living in the surrounding neighborhood, “Every single weekend this intersection was taken over by this illegal racing.” He praised the swift response, stating officers “shut down the intersection and made sure folks couldn’t escape.” The scene, which involved a crowd of more than 700 people, was described as chaotic when law enforcement arrived, with some individuals attempting to flee by climbing fences, running into yards, and even crashing vehicles. Video from the scene showed a massive presence of law enforcement personnel.
Street takeovers have been a recurring issue across the county for several years but have seen a notable increase recently, with some incidents leading to robberies of nearby retail stores. Historically, many of these gatherings ended without arrests as participants dispersed upon police arrival. Both the LAPD and the LASD have recently detailed measures to counter this trend. The LAPD has formed a Street Racing Task Force, and the LASD has launched its own initiatives to identify and hold organizers and participants accountable through arrests, vehicle impounds, citations, and criminal prosecution. This early Saturday operation marks a significant escalation in enforcement during what was the first night of Labor Day weekend.
