San Joaquin County law enforcement is turning up the heat on illegal sideshows as the weather warms and car crowds roll back onto local streets. The sheriff’s office is warning that these impromptu stunt shows, where drivers spin out, block intersections and draw big audiences, will now be met with vehicle impounds, arrests and criminal charges. County officials say the tougher stance is meant to shield bystanders and tamp down the violence and chaos that can follow street takeovers.
The county laid out its message in a short video this week and signaled that the crackdown is only getting started. As reported by CBS Sacramento, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office stressed that deputies will use every legal tool available to break up and discourage organized takeovers.
Crackdown already in motion
Local agencies say this is not just tough talk. Coordinated operations across Stockton and neighboring cities have already led to dozens of stops, arrests and towed cars. A March sweep by the Stockton Police Department produced hundreds of traffic contacts, more than 140 citations and about 30 vehicles towed, with officers also recovering suspected narcotics and firearms, as reported by SFGate.
CHP and city partners pitching in…