In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a chaotic street takeover erupted in University Park, marking the latest in a series of dangerous events plaguing Los Angeles. The scene outside Felix Chevrolet on the 3300 block of S. Figueroa Street descended into mayhem as a large crowd gathered around an Infiniti, setting the vehicle on fire. Video footage captured the flames engulfing the car while the sounds of screeching tires and revving engines echoed through the night.
As police sirens approached, the crowd quickly dispersed, leaving behind significant damage, including a shattered window at the dealership. Fortunately, no one attempted to break into the premises, but the destruction was still substantial. “It’s fortunate they didn’t enter, but there’s still a lot of damage to address,” said Jason Cichion, who owns a 1950s Ford that suffered damage during the incident.
This was just one of two major street takeovers that Los Angeles Police Department responded to on Tuesday, with another occurring in South Los Angeles, where another car was set ablaze. LAPD Commander Craig Valenzuela expressed concern over the rising violence and property damage associated with these events. “The level of violence and destruction is what’s most concerning,” he stated.
The LAPD’s street racing task force has been working to curb these takeovers, but efforts are hindered by the events’ organization through social media and the lack of significant legal consequences for participants and spectators. Currently, spectators can only be issued administrative citations with fines ranging from $200 to $250—insufficient to deter the large crowds.
LAPD data indicates an increase in street takeovers in 2024, with similar incidents reported across the city. Valenzuela urged the community to take action, saying, “These individuals have families—moms, dads, aunts, uncles. I ask them to intervene.”
As of now, no arrests have been made, but the LAPD’s street racing task force, in collaboration with the Southwest Division, is working to identify the drivers and participants involved in these reckless takeovers.