RPD issues four citations, tows vehicle during North & East street takeover

Richmond police responded to multiple street takeovers over the weekend, including an incident near San Pablo Avenue and McBryde Avenue on Sunday night, Lt. Donald Patchin, the department’s public information officer, said Monday.

Police arrived quickly and disbursed participants, who fled into the neighborhood and down residential streets with police in close pursuit.

Street takeovers are illegal events where people block off roads to perform stunts and races. On Sunday night, participants blocked the intersection of San Pablo Avenue and McBryde Avenue to spin donuts and ignite fireworks.

Patchin said officers stopped two vehicles during the street takeover near McBryde Avenue, issued four citations, and towed one vehicle.

“Two were cited for being spectators at a sideshow, one was cited for driving without a license and being a spectator at a sideshow, and one was cited for driving without a license,” Patchin said.

The enforcement efforts are part of the Richmond Police Department’s ongoing initiative to address dangerous driving.

Street takeovers have been a recurring challenge for law enforcement in the Bay Area, drawing spectators and participants despite stepped-up enforcement and penalties.

Thrills, spills, and bills: Richmond confronts rise in car sideshows

Richmond police officials spoke with community members at the Crime Prevention meeting last week to address escalating concerns over street sideshows. Both sides exchanged ideas on improving safety amid budgetary and resource challenges.

Grandview IndependentSoren Hemmila

Last week, Richmond officers responded to a report of reckless driving in front of the General Warehouse at the dead end of Canal Boulevard. Police used a drone to identify two main vehicles and then moved in to take enforcement action.

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“One vehicle tried to run and ended up with three flat tires,” police said. “Both cars were impounded for 30 days, both drivers were cited, and one car will have to visit the state smog referee when it gets out of impound.”

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