In the aftermath of a destructive and high-profile vehicle sideshow in Oakland over the weekend, the Oakland Police Department announced on Wednesday that they are taking illegal sideshow activity seriously, and officers have seized 128 vehicles allegedly linked to these stunt-driving spectacles this year alone.
Seizing cars
What we know: “If you take part in illegal sideshows in Oakland and drive home thinking you’re in the clear, think again. Just because you got away that night doesn’t mean we won’t find you,” was the opening line of a news release sent by an OPD communications manager.
Officers seized 128 automobiles this year, excluding those they towed straight from the sideshow scene at their discretion.
In addition to the towed vehicles, the OPD says it has filed 144 seizure orders for vehicles wanted for escaping police, dangerous driving, and other sideshow-related crimes.
It appears that 80% of the seized vehicles are not from the City of Oakland.
“Our investigators continue working to identify those responsible for criminal behavior and participation. We are also collaborating with our law enforcement partners to prevent and reduce these dangerous gatherings,” OPD’s strategic communications manager, Paul Chambers, said.
Oakland police state that they may detain your vehicle for 30 days if a sideshow forces a tow.
As part of their Summer Safety Plan, the agency has stated that they will crack down on sideshow activities. They stated that sideshows endanger the community.
“These events pose serious risks to participants, spectators, and residents,” the police department’s news release read.
According to the OPD, none of the 128 vehicles collected were involved in the spectacle at 41st and Howe streets near Piedmont Avenue early Sunday morning.
Police say six automobiles were towed from the scene. A car was set on fire, as shown in the video. That particular sideshow was well-attended, with up to 500 cars present.
The police union has expressed concerns about police personnel numbers, and residents have also urged for changes. According to KTVU, the spectacle featured illegal pyrotechnics, people stomping on automobiles, viewers burning bottles and hurling them in the air as they exploded, and individuals firing firearms into the air.
According to nearby residents, the fireworks shook their apartment building.
The sideshow was the subject of 21 citations in total.
In response to Sunday’s sideshow, Mayor Barbara Lee expressed the need for further efforts to ensure the safety of Oakland’s communities.
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