Caught on video: Person hit by driver, car circles ring of fire during street takeovers across OC
BUENA PARK, Calif. (KABC) -- Orange County saw several street takeovers overnight, including a violent incident that was caught on camera in Buena Park.
Footage shows one spectator being hit by a driver in the middle of the intersection at Valley View Street and Artesia Boulevard late Thursday night.
Details about the person's condition were not known, but the video illustrates how dangerous street takeovers can be.
A spokesperson for the Buena Park Police Department told Eyewitness News the takeover ended as officers arrived and police were not notified about anyone being hit.
Other dangerous takeovers were reported in Anaheim and Costa Mesa overnight.
Officers with the Costa Mesa Police Department responded to the intersection of Red Hill Avenue and Kalmus Drive around 1:08 a.m. but the scene was already cleared.
Video taken at one of the scenes shows a driver circling a ring of fire burning in the middle of the intersection.
"When we realized that this was an issue, our department decided to form this collaboration, or partnership, with other agencies," said Sgt. Maria Lopez with the Santa Ana Police Department.
She said the Strategic Traffic Enforcement Against Racing and Reckless Driving program, or STEARD, was started in 2020 to help eliminate street takeovers.
"There's multiple agencies involved in the STEARRD program," said Lopez. "Essentially, they go out numerous days during the week to enforce reckless driving and racing."
If caught, there are consequences as partners and law enforcement can rely on each other for aid.
In video obtained by Eyewitness News, the Orange County Sheriff's Department's helicopter is seen helping guide police to several suspects in August, leaving the driver without a car for 30 days and impound fees.
Lopez said so far this year, STEARRD has issued more than 800 citations and impounded 48 vehicles due to street takeovers.
No arrests have been made in any of the incidents.
