Law Enforcement Announces Two Arrests Made in Local ‘Sideshow Takeover’ Events

San Diego law enforcement is looking for individuals involved in organizing “sideshow takeovers,” unauthorized street racing and car meet events which police say endangers the public.

The San Diego Police Department and the California Highway Patrol have made two arrests and seized more than a dozen vehicles in connection with two illegal public stunt-driving events that caused tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage in various San Diego-area neighborhoods, police announced Thursday.

The illicit automotive exhibitions took place last winter and this spring, according to the San Diego Police Department.

The first took place on Feb. 24, 2023, at intersections in Barrio Logan, downtown San Diego, Kearny Mesa, La Jolla Village, Mira Mesa, Otay Mesa and Spring Valley, and resulted in roadway damage estimated at nearly $24,000.

The other was on March 10 of this year, taking the form of an unpermitted car meet in a Target parking lot on Mira Mesa Boulevard. That event led to more than $15,000 worth of property damage, police said.

“These sideshows put innocent community members at risk of death or serious injury while causing thousands of dollars in damage to roadways and private property,” SDPD Lt. Deana De Los Reyes said.

“Those responsible for these reckless events will be arrested and fully prosecuted.”

Spectators at such events also may face criminal charges, De Los Reyes noted.

Last weekend, San Diego police say they thwarted two planned street-takeover driving exhibitions — one about to get underway at Gloria Street and Ocean View Boulevard in Lincoln Park, the other at Cedar and Grove streets in South Park.

City News Service contributed to this report.