A street racing sting ended with more than 40 drivers and spectators in custody and more than 50 vehicles impounded early Monday in South Los Angeles.
Link: What's Legal, What's Not
The law enforcement operation, involving the California Highway Patrol and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, began Sunday night on Broadway Avenue between Imperial Highway and 117th Street, a stretch beneath the 110-105 freeway interchange. More than 200 citations were handed out after deputies found hundreds of cars parked along Broadway Avenue at about midnight.
"I think we prevented a lot of accidents and possible fatalities," said LA County Sheriff's Deputy Steve Nemeth.
Forty-four arrests were reported and 54 vehicles were impounded, according to the sheriff's department. The citations involved reckless driving and street racing offenses, drug-related crimes and DMV violations.
Sheriff's Sgt. Monica Botello said investigators picked up intelligence weeks in advance that a car contingent from the San Francisco Bay Area would be coming south April 20 to mark the marijuana day.
The operation was described as a "small dent" in Southern California's illegal street racing problem. The events are often promoted on social media and can attract hundreds of spectators.
"But a small dent is action, and it's hopefully bringing an awareness to the public and the people who participate in these activities," said Lt. Jodi Hutak
Street racing carries a minimum jail sentence of 24 hours and a maximum of 90 days, according to the California Highway Patrol. Vehicles are often impounded for at least 30 days and the owner is responsible for towing and storage charges, which can run $1,000 and more.
NBC4's Patrick Healy contributed to this report.
