Long Beach police said Friday they cracked down on several street takeovers in the city last weekend, and they plan to continue stepped-up efforts to halt such crimes.
“Through coordinated enforcement efforts, officers made one arrest, cited 11 drivers for vehicle code violations and towed three vehicles over the weekend in response to multiple street takeover incidents,” according to a statement issued by the Long Beach Police Department Friday.
Police said there were multiple illegal street takeovers Long Beach and elsewhere between March 20 and 23, “posing significant safety risks and disrupting the community.”
“As part of a coordinated enforcement effort, officers responded swiftly, taking enforcement action where appropriate and dispersing the groups,” police said.
One suspect, Kristopher Scott Molick, was booked on suspicion of being a pedestrian failing to yield the right of way to traffic, obstructing a peace officer, illegal possession of fireworks without a permit and having an unregistered vehicle. He was released on his own recognizance, according to the LBPD, whose officers also cited 11 others for vehicle code violations and towed three vehicles.
“The blatant disregard of vehicle code laws and road safety is unacceptable and can lead to catastrophic traffic collisions,” Police Chief Wally Hebeish said in a statement. “As we work together to improve traffic safety, I want to make clear that the Long Beach Police Department will not tolerate illegal motor vehicle exhibitions. We will continue to cite, arrest and/or seize the vehicles of those who choose to participate in these gatherings and associated crimes.”