LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A massive illegal street takeover brought hundreds of people onto the streets of Los Angeles over the weekend, triggering a major police response that ended with dozens of arrests, hundreds of citations and roughly 200 vehicles being towed.

The operation unfolded in the Harbor Gateway neighborhood, where Los Angeles police had been preparing for several illegal gatherings involving vehicles.

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said authorities used intelligence gathering and drones to identify the locations of four separate street takeovers planned for Saturday night.

Street takeovers typically involve groups blocking public roads so drivers can perform dangerous stunts, spin vehicles or participate in illegal races.

What started as several separate gatherings eventually led police to a major concentration of people near South Figueroa Street and West Alondra Boulevard.

More Than 700 People Gather as Police Move In

At around 2 a.m., authorities estimated that more than 700 people were gathered at the intersection. More than 150 LAPD officers surrounded the area as police moved to shut down the illegal gathering and identify those involved.

The resulting enforcement operation led to 66 arrests for participating in or assisting with a street race or takeover.

Three additional arrests were made for other alleged offenses. One person was arrested for assaulting an officer, another for battery, and another for obstructing or interfering with officers.

The scale of the police response reflected the size of the gathering, with officers working to disperse the crowd while also taking enforcement action against people suspected of violating the law.

Police Issue 570 Citations

The crackdown did not end with arrests. Authorities issued a total of 570 citations during the operation. Of those, 442 citations were issued to spectators who were allegedly attending a speed contest or exhibition of speed.

Another 128 citations went to juveniles who were reportedly out after the city’s 10 p.m. curfew for minors. The number of young people present also alarmed officials.

McDonnell said the youngest person attending the illegal gathering was just 11 years old. The police chief used the incident to warn parents about the risks associated with street takeovers, emphasizing that children can be exposed to serious danger simply by being present.

200 Vehicles Towed and Firearms Recovered

The operation also resulted in a significant number of vehicles being removed from the scene. Authorities said they towed about 200 vehicles connected to the massive gathering. Police also recovered at least seven firearms and several canisters of nitrous oxide.

The discoveries added another layer of concern for authorities, who were already dealing with a large crowd gathered around dangerous vehicle activity.

Officials say street takeovers can create unpredictable situations because roads are intentionally blocked while vehicles perform stunts or races near large crowds.

Police Chief Calls Street Takeovers Criminal Behavior

McDonnell delivered a blunt warning following the arrests.

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“This is not harmless fun. This is criminal behavior,” McDonnell said. He also warned parents that their children could be entering an active crime scene when attending these gatherings.

“Your children are participating in an active crime scene where they are lawfully subject to immediate arrest and exposed to harm,” he said.

McDonnell urged parents to know where their children are and have serious conversations with them about the dangers associated with street takeovers.

He emphasized that one reckless decision can potentially ruin or take someone’s life.

Los Angeles Officials Promise More Crackdowns

Los Angeles officials said the weekend operation will not be the last enforcement effort targeting illegal street takeovers. Mayor Karen Bass said authorities would continue focusing on preventing these gatherings while holding participants accountable.

“We will continue to prioritize prevention, deterrence, and enforcement to protect Angelenos, businesses, and neighborhoods and ensure those involved face consequences,” Bass said in a statement.

With 66 arrests, 570 citations and approximately 200 vehicles towed, the latest operation represents one of the city’s major recent crackdowns on illegal street racing activity.

Authorities are making clear that large gatherings centered around dangerous driving stunts will continue to receive significant police attention.

Do you think tougher penalties can stop illegal street takeovers in Los Angeles? Share your thoughts in the comments.