The Los Angeles Police Department put an end to a street takeover on the 6th St. Bridge early Sunday morning, leading to the officers impounding 20 cars and issuing 150 citations to drivers and bystanders alike.
Street takeovers, events organized on social media in which drivers do stunts in intersections and highways to large crowds, have regularly occurred on the bridge since its reopening in 2022.
Sgt. Manny Sanchez of the LAPD’s Street Racing Task Force said in an interview with Boyle Heights Beat that once officers dispersed the crowds and group of 300 to 400 cars on the bridge, several drivers fled to the underpass at 4th St. and Grand Ave. where they were apprehended and cited for violations back in Boyle Heights.
Drivers received tickets for either reckless driving or participating in a speed contest, while spectators were cited for aiding and abetting in a speed contest.
To better prevent future takeovers, Sanchez considered, there would be to have more visual surveillance so police can respond in real time when they notice suspicious activity on the viaduct.
“We’re working with the City Council on getting cameras at different intersections. That would be a great help to us ,” Sanchez said.
The street takeover on the 6th St. Bridge was one of several to happen this weekend in Los Angeles, including one in Compton in which four people were shot and wounded, as reported by The Eastsider.
The 6th St. Bridge has also been making headlines for the theft of copper wire from its electrical boxes, leaving the once illuminated arches dark.
