Photo by MitchellShapiroPhotography
Last weekend 88 people had their cars taken away by police in Stockton CA. They had either participated in or attended a street takeover. Stockton’s Sheriff, Patrick Withrow said a judge has issued warrants to search all the cars seized. They are not only checking if the cars were used for burnouts and donuts, but evidence of other illegal activity as well. If police find further evidence, the drivers may face even more legal trouble than just having their cars confiscated. Even if no other evidence is found, there’s a good chance the car owners won’t be getting their rides back.
California’s Vehicle Section 23109 addresses illegal activities such as speed exhibitions and street takeovers, however Stockton has its own ordinance targeting these events labeling both those shredding tires and those spectating as having “nuisance vehicles.” This designation allows law enforcement to immediately seize both participants and spectators cars, even if the car’s owner was not present at the event. The seizure could lead to permanent possession by the city, or sale of the vehicle, with then the city would profit from the proceedings. Civil Asset Forfeiture has been in the news recently as it creates an incentive structure for the government to violate innocent citizen’s rights.
Aside from the 88 vehicles, over 150 individuals were detained or arrested at the street takeover. Withrow wants this crackdown to send the message that such gatherings will not be tolerated in Stockton.
“Last time we tried to intervene in this, they threw rocks and bricks,” Withrow said. During last weekends’ raid one officer was injured.
Congressman Josh Harder (D) from the 9th District is proposing a bill he has titled, “They’re Fast, We’re Furious Act,” which aims to establish an FBI task force to combat street takeovers. This task force will collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to enforce penalties.