Public Safety officials spotted about 50 vehicles and more than 200 people gathering shortly after midnight before they could take control of the busy intersection.
LCCN Staff Report
NORWALK — A planned street takeover involving approximately 50 vehicles and more than 200 people was stopped early Monday morning after Norwalk Public Safety personnel spotted the gathering and alerted Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies before participants could take over the Five Points intersection.
At approximately midnight Aug. 24, city Public Safety personnel monitoring the area observed vehicles and people beginning to assemble at Five Points, the busy intersection where Pioneer Boulevard, Rosecrans Avenue and San Antonio Drive converge.
Public Safety personnel contacted the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department before the group could fully occupy the intersection.
Deputies responded, preventing the planned takeover from getting underway, according to the city.
The incident comes as cities throughout southeast Los Angeles County continue confronting illegal street takeovers, which can draw large crowds and involve drivers performing burnouts, doughnuts and other dangerous maneuvers in public intersections.
Norwalk has adopted particularly stiff penalties aimed not only at drivers participating in takeovers but also at the crowds that gather to watch them.
Under Chapter 9.30 of the Norwalk Municipal Code, spectators can be cited even when they are present while preparations for an illegal street takeover are underway.
City administrative fines begin at $2,000 and can increase to $5,000 for repeat violations.
Vehicles involved in illegal takeover activity can also be subject to seizure and forfeiture.
Norwalk officials said Public Safety personnel will continue monitoring locations for potential street takeover activity and coordinating with the Sheriff’s Department when gatherings are detected.
Residents with information about planned or previous street takeovers can contact the Norwalk Sheriff’s Station at 562-863-8711, Norwalk Public Safety at 562-929-5732 or Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).