Crowds at illegal car rallies to be arrested
Crowds at illegal car rallies to be arrested
Oakland
Mayor Jerry Brown said Friday that police plan to crack down on spectators who gather to watch illegal sideshow car rallies this summer, saying the audience plays a key role in the events that have led to violence and deaths.
"We will target the drivers as well as the cheering crowds that create the environment for the mayhem," Brown said at a news conference.
City Council President Ignacio De La Fuente said he hoped the City Council would approve an emergency ordinance June 7 that would give police authority to cite and arrest spectators at the events.
Police could begin enforcing the law as early as the July 4 weekend.
If approved, the measure would be similar to laws in Fremont and Sacramento that allow police to arrest spectators at illegal street races.
In a related matter, police said the Port of Oakland would install a gate in the coming weeks to block illegal street racers from using Middle Harbor Road. Three men have been killed this month in incidents related to racing in the area.