Los Angeles police crack down on massive street takeover

Law enforcement agencies conducted a massive crackdown on illegal street racing and takeovers in the Harbor Gateway area of South Los Angeles. Dubbed ‘Operation Street Sweeper,’ the joint operation involved more than 150 officers from the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the California Highway Patrol.

Using drone technology and intelligence to predict the locations of multiple gatherings, authorities targeted a crowd estimated at over 700 people at the intersection of South Figueroa Street and West Alondra Boulevard. The operation resulted in 69 arrests, including 66 individuals for participating in or aiding street races, and three additional arrests for assault on an officer, battery, and obstructing police.

Officers issued approximately 570 citations, including 442 for spectating at illegal speed contests and 128 for juvenile curfew violations. Authorities also seized seven firearms and impounded over 200 vehicles. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated that this operation is ‘only the beginning’ of efforts to combat illegal vehicle gatherings.