Dangerous street takeovers returned to parts of Los Angeles County overnight, with large crowds gathering to watch vehicles perform donuts and burnouts in busy intersections.
At least five people were injured during the incidents in Watts and Northridge as police continue working to prevent illegal gatherings that officials say can lead to crashes, violence, and property damage.
WHAT HAPPENED
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, one street takeover occurred near Century Boulevard and Avalon Boulevard in Watts, where hundreds of spectators gathered as drivers performed dangerous stunts in the intersection.
Video from the scene appeared to show cars spinning in circles, leaving tire marks on the roadway, while fireworks were reportedly set off nearby.
When police officers arrived, the crowd quickly dispersed. Authorities said no arrests were made in connection with the Watts takeover.
A separate street takeover was reported near Wilbur Avenue and Parthenia Street in Northridge shortly after 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
That event resulted in at least five injuries. One person was transported to the hospital, but officials said all victims were expected to survive.
Authorities have not confirmed exactly how the injuries occurred, though video from the area showed heavy tire marks and signs of vehicle activity in the intersection.
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
Law enforcement agencies across Los Angeles County have increased efforts to address street takeovers, which often involve large crowds, blocked intersections, speeding vehicles, and dangerous driving behavior.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said additional patrols have been assigned to target these events.
According to the sheriff’s department, Compton Station deputies responded to 113 street takeovers in the past six months, representing a 58% decrease compared with the same period last year, when deputies handled more than 200 incidents.
Across areas served by the department, officials said street takeovers have declined by 56%.
Deputies credited increased enforcement and infrastructure changes, including raised bumpers installed in intersections, as tools that can make it more difficult for drivers to perform donuts and other stunts.
Deputy David Murray said the size of some gatherings creates major challenges for officers, noting that he has seen “upwards of 500 vehicles at just one street takeover.”
Authorities say the continued decline in reported street takeovers shows that targeted enforcement and prevention measures may be having an impact, though officials acknowledge the problem has not disappeared. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said specialized patrols continue monitoring areas where large gatherings and illegal driving activity are known to occur.
Deputies also emphasized the scale of some of these events, with large crowds creating challenges for law enforcement officers attempting to intervene safely. Deputy David Murray described the size of past gatherings, saying he has seen “upwards of 500 vehicles at just one street takeover.”
Law enforcement officials have warned that these events can quickly become dangerous due to speeding vehicles, crowds standing in intersections, and drivers performing risky stunts. The LAPD and LASD continue urging the public to avoid participating in or attending illegal takeovers because of the potential for serious injuries.
Deputies also noted that past incidents have involved more than just reckless driving. Officials said street takeovers have previously escalated into other crimes, including property damage and violence. As one investigation into the broader trend continues, authorities say the goal is to prevent injuries before these gatherings spiral out of control.
WHY IT MATTERS
Street takeovers have become a growing public safety concern throughout Southern California, with officials warning that the gatherings can quickly become dangerous when vehicles, spectators, and pedestrians occupy the same space.
Past street takeovers have been linked to crashes, vandalism, assaults, and shootings, although authorities have not confirmed whether those types of incidents occurred during the Watts or Northridge events.
Officials say the combination of enforcement, patrols, and physical roadway changes is aimed at preventing future injuries and reducing disruptions for surrounding communities.
OPPOSING OR SKEPTICAL VIEW
Some observers argue that aggressive enforcement alone may not fully solve the street takeover problem and that authorities should also examine why these gatherings continue to attract large crowds. They point out that many participants are drawn by car culture, social media attention, and organized meetups, meaning arrests and road barriers may only move events to different locations. Critics of a purely enforcement-based approach say cities should also consider community outreach, designated spaces for legal automotive events, and strategies that address the reasons people participate. From this perspective, reducing street takeovers requires not only stopping dangerous behavior but also understanding the culture and incentives behind these gatherings.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Authorities say patrols will continue in areas where street takeovers frequently occur.
The LAPD and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are expected to maintain enforcement operations while monitoring social media and known gathering locations to prevent future incidents.
Officials are also continuing infrastructure projects designed to make intersections less attractive for illegal vehicle stunts.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- Whether anyone involved in the Watts or Northridge takeovers will face charges.
- How the five people injured in Northridge were hurt.
- Whether additional suspects or vehicles were identified.
- Whether fireworks or other illegal activity will lead to further investigations.
SOURCE NOTE
This story is based on reporting from ABC7 Eyewitness News and information provided by the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Transparency notes
Published: Jul 27, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.
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Sources
External source links were not provided in this article body. Our editors reference publicly available materials and update stories as new verified information arrives.
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