A number of suspected street racers and spectators were detained in an attempted takeover of the 57 Freeway in Anaheim early Saturday, officials said.
Officers received a tip around 1 a.m. about a group trying to shut down the freeway’s southbound lanes near Orange Avenue, California Highway Patrol Sgt. Jesus Sanchez said.
A street racing task force operating nearby set up a traffic break ahead of the attempted racing, Sanchez said.
Officers were able to detain the individuals planning to participate in the race, as well as some spectators, according to Sanchez. Their vehicles were impounded.
“Street racing, unfortunately, has become a huge problem, not just here in Southern California, but throughout the state,” Sanchez said. “Certain divisions have developed a task force to address this issue. We’re out here, trying to make a difference, encourage people to not do the takeovers and the street racing. Unfortunately, not everybody is heeding that warning.”
Watching street racing is also illegal, Sanchez said.
“Several of these individuals, most of them are going to be run through the system” in case they have any outstanding warrants, Sanchez said. “A few of them, unfortunately, are going to be taken into custody for spectating at a street racing event, which is unlawful, and that’s what we’re enforcing here.”
Officials did not confirm how many people were detained and released no further details on their identities.