The Oakland Police Department issued 52 citations, towed 21 vehicles, and made 3 arrests last Sunday morning when sideshows took over the streets
2 hours ago
- Illegal sideshows are a prevalent issue in Oakland, with both law enforcement and local residents urging an end to this dangerous trend.
- In the early hours of Sunday morning, sideshows occurred at five major intersections, with drivers performing donuts in front of hundreds of spectators.
- Fireworks and gunfire were reported on several occasions, and at least two cars were set on fire.
Over the past weekend, Oakland saw a rash of illegal sideshows, where drivers performed dangerous stunts and crowds set cars ablaze. Police responded by dispatching a large contingent of officers at the scene to disrupt the gatherings in a peaceful manner. However, locals are calling for more action to curb this dangerous trend among young people.
The sideshow activity reportedly began around 2 a.m. on Sunday morning, occurring in at least five major Oakland intersections. Videos depict modified cars taking over the streets and executing donuts, surrounded by large crowds of spectators.
More: Cops Infiltrate And Bust California Sideshow, Seize Nearly 90 Cars
Additionally, a C7 Chevrolet Corvette and a Camaro, likely stolen, were set ablaze in the middle of the road. As if this weren’t alarming enough, terrified residents of the affected areas reported instances of fireworks and gunfire on several occasions.
Illegal sideshows are common in Oakland—and other places in the US—with the police typically playing a discreet role due to being outnumbered. However, this time, it appears that officers reached their limit. Multiple police cars were used to block the streets, compelling the crowds to disperse. Despite this, some sideshow participants persisted in their provocation, attempting to flee the scene.
@carlos_amg_63 What happen here 🔝👀🔥 #oakland #oaklandcalifornia #oaklandbayarea #california #takeovers #losangeles #sanfrancisco #fyp #foryou #parati #usa #news ♬ sonido original – Carlos g
A driver of a white Infiniti was caught on video deliberately ramming two police cars and then returning to taunt the police officers.
According to a statement from the Oakland Police Department,they issued a total of 52 citations, towed 21 vehicles, and made 3 arrests on Sunday morning. In response to the desperate calls from locals, authorities have announced plans to “deploy additional resources on the streets to enforce illegal sideshow activities” next weekend.
Oakland councilmember Noel Gallo spoke to NBC Bay Area as the crews were cleaning up the debris from the tarmac:
“We have been complaining. The residents have been complaining to the chief and deputy chief that we need more assistance. I mean, there were 200 to 300 young people watching the show. Cars spinning around, cars all over the place and but I have never seen so many police come together, every street was blocked off.”
The Oakland Police Department issued several tips to help residents stay safe in the event of a sideshow. They advise people to seek alternate routes, refrain from confronting sideshow participants, and call 911 in case of an emergency. The social media post also warns that vehicles belonging to sideshow participants could be “towed and seized with a 30-day hold.”
OPD will collaborate with law enforcement partners to enforce impaired driving and illegal sideshow activities.
If you participate in illegal sideshows, your vehicle could be towed and seized with a 30-day hold.
Here are tips to help keep you safe if you encounter a sideshow. pic.twitter.com/M47dbjBSnM
— Oakland Police Dept. (@oaklandpoliceca) April 7, 2024