‘Bay To LA’ Takeovers End With 22 Arrests And 7 Cars Impounded

Last week, we told you how deputies in Los Angeles County managed to shut down a couple of street takeovers before they started. This week, we’re learning that the task force there appears eager to make sure that wasn’t a one-hit wonder. Authorities say a group traveled from Northern California for more illegal events over the weekend. Seven cars now have a month-long stay at the impound lot.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the gatherings went by “Bay to LA.” Its Street Takeover Task Force conducted several enforcement operations, making 22 arrests and issuing 74 citations. Another 22 vehicles received citations requiring state referee inspections. As we’ve also noted in the past, those inspections can completely shift the way a person approaches the future of their car use. The LASD didn’t provide a list of what cars were impounded, but it did post a video to social media, which gives us a good indication. Included in the video are an SN95 Ford Mustang convertible, a similarly aged Chevrolet Camaro, a Pontiac G8, at least one Chevy SS, and a third-gen Lexus LS.

The alleged offenses included reckless driving, exhibition of speed, driving with a suspended license, felony evading, felony illegal firearms possession, and felony conspiracy to commit reckless driving. Deputies worked in Carson, Cerritos, Compton, Lynwood, Commerce, Lakewood, and unincorporated parts of the county.

Interestingly, there’s a couple of patterns emerging here. Yes, last week, police cracked down on two takeovers, but how they did so is key. Authorities specifically credited their ability to see these events advertised on social media for helping them do their job. During that operation, police arrested another 22 people, issued 104 citations, and handed out 55 emission or exhaust violations.

This time around, it seems like the organizers once again posted about the event online before showing up. Will they keep doing that? If so, it appears as though police will be paying attention and ready to show up and shut things down.

Officers in California don’t just treat drivers as participants. Occupants of the vehicle in question can end up with charges too if that vehicle is participating in the takeover. In fact, the law goes even further. Police can cite those who use their own vehicles to block an intersection even if they’re not doing donuts or anything of the sort. Then, there are the spectators who can also end up with citations. That’s right, just being at the scene can result in significant financial penalties.