On August 11 (Monday), prosecutors in Los Angeles County, along with law enforcement agencies at all levels, announced a crackdown on illegal street takeovers and late-night street racing stunts. Officials warned that anyone involved in these activities, whether organizers, drivers, or spectators, could be arrested and face criminal charges.
“Street takeovers often attract young people seeking excitement or novelty,” said Nathan Hochman, the Los Angeles County prosecutor, during a press conference. “But these dangerous actions threaten the local community, sometimes leading to tragic deaths and often accompanied by crimes such as robbery and property damage.”
Street takeovers typically involve a group of cars or motorcycles gathering illegally on public roads to perform stunts like “doughnut burnouts” and “drifting” surrounded by crowds. Participants also block roads and engage in dangerous behaviors like speeding. Since the pandemic, street takeovers have become increasingly rampant.
So far this year, the Los Angeles Police Department has conducted over 520 interception operations, with 95% involving street takeover crimes.
Hochman pointed out that social media is now flooded with videos of street takeovers, and promoters even use live streaming to promote these activities online. Parents and young people need to be vigilant as street takeovers have caused casualties, road damage, and local businesses have been robbed.
“Promoters are trying to make money from this, drivers are seeking to earn money or enhance their reputation within the street takeover community, while young people are trying to enjoy the excitement,” he emphasized. However, he stressed that young people often only see the “excitement” on social media or seek thrills on-site but overlook the legal consequences of these actions.
According to the law, individuals participating in street takeover activities and getting arrested may face misdemeanor charges, including reckless driving, up to 90 days in county jail, and/or a $1,000 fine; performing stunts may lead to a maximum of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. If participants cause injury or death to others, they could face felony charges.
Current county laws also stipulate that bystanders at such illegal activities may face a $500 fine or up to 180 days in jail.
Furthermore, those who choose to participate in street takeover activities by driving, blocking traffic, being spectators, or promoting these events through social media or other means before they begin may face felony charges for conspiracy and be sentenced to state prison.
Hochman believes that the impact of street takeover activities is too severe and calls for stricter punishments for participants. “The fine for the second offense should not be $1,000 but $2,500, and for the third offense, it should be $5,000 and one year in jail.”
The Prosecutor’s Office cited two recent cases to illustrate the dangers of street takeover activities.
On December 25, 2022, Dante Chapple Young, born in 1995, participated in a street takeover event in Southern California: while performing stunts in a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro, he crashed into a trailer parked at an intersection, causing his vehicle to careen into a crowd and resulting in the death of 24-year-old Elyzza Guajaca. This August, Young was sentenced to 13 years in state prison.
Erick Romero Quintana, born in 2003, faces 16 counts of conspiracy to reckless driving. Between 2022 and 2023, he was accused of organizing 16 street takeover events in South Los Angeles through social media accounts and notifying potential participants online. If convicted, Quintana could face up to 13 years in prison.
“If you (promoters) think you can hide behind social media, repeatedly promote these activities and make money from them, we will not only hold you accountable but also put you behind bars,” Hochman said.
In addition to cooperation with law enforcement agencies, the local Prosecutor’s Office is collaborating with other county government departments to develop and implement response plans, including enhancing youth education, expanding law enforcement actions, and installing deterrent devices at several street intersections. ◇