Supervisor Hilda L. Solis issued the following joint statement on a street takeover incident in East Los Angeles last night.
Supervisor Hilda L. Solis:
“California Highway Patrol quickly stepped in to shut down a street takeover on Whittier Boulevard in East Los Angeles last night, but not before one of the cars involved caught fire after being hit by illegal fireworks from those participating. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the fire was quickly extinguished.
I spoke with LA County Sheriff Robert Luna and LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone, and we agree: these street takeovers not only endanger the lives of those who participate in them, but they also put the people who join in to watch in harm’s way. Street takeovers are also illegal for both drivers and spectators.
I urge those who may consider street takeovers a harmless activity to consider the potentially life-threatening consequences to themselves and those around them. This is not a risk worth taking.
I’m grateful to the CHP and LA County Fire for their rapid response to make sure the drivers engaged in this illegal and dangerous act as well those on the street nearby stayed safe and any threat from the potential spread of fire from these illegal fireworks was quickly handled, which is especially important as we enter our high-fire season.”
LA County Sheriff Robert Luna:
“Street takeovers are illegal, and they put people in danger. What happened last night could have turned into an incident far more serious and potentially put more people’s lives at risk. Drivers and spectators need to be mindful about their actions to keep others safe from harm and avoid legal consequences.”
LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone:
“Street takeovers are dangerous and put residents and communities at risk. A street takeover last night on Whittier Boulevard resulted in a dangerous vehicle fire. We must be safe and respect each other and our communities.”
