A joint operation by the California Highway Patrol and the LA County Sheriff’s Department led to more than 100 arrests of those participating or watching illegal street racing activities at an industrial park near Castaic.
The operation, conducted on June 29 by the CHP and Santa Clarita Valley Station’s Summer Enforcement Team, specifically targeted illegal street racers and reckless drivers who were participating in what has become commonly known as a “Sideshow.” according to a Sheriff’s Department release.
The release said the industrial park is heavily occupied by workers during the workday, but after business hours it becomes a ghost town. It’s long, wide asphalt streets attract street racers to perform “burnouts,” “donuts,” and “drifting,” all of which are illegal and considered highly dangerous to the spectators who show up to watch.
A total of 109 arrests were made for participating or spectating at an illegal speed event, which is a misdemeanor. Seven of those people were physically booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station and their vehicles were towed.
In addition to the arrests of the drivers, 102 spectators were cited for spectating at an illegal speed event and released at the scene.
Of those 102 spectators who were cited and released, 17 of them were minors.
“It isn’t just the reckless driving or racing that is illegal,” the release said. “A momentary loss of control, which can happen all too easily, can have devastating consequences for both the drivers and spectators.”
Because street racing tends to be an activity of teens and young adults, parents can assist in making sure their children have no involvement with street racing as well as making certain they adhere to local curfew laws, the release said.
One of the most common danger signs for parents that their child is becoming involved may include having an illegally modified vehicle.