TEMECULA – California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department (RSO) deputies teamed up to combat illegal street racing and sideshow activities in the De Luz community west of the City of Temecula on Friday, Nov. 8.
Over recent weeks, several De Luz residents have complained to the CHP and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department about near-weekly sideshows occurring primarily on weekend evenings. In response to these complaints, the CHP and RSO coordinated and planned an enforcement operation for the evening of Friday, Nov. 8. CHP personnel included one CHP sergeant and two officers from the CHP, Temecula Area Special Investigations Unit (SIU). RSO personnel included two RSO deputies from the Southwest Sheriff’s Station, and four deputies from RSO’s Takeover Racing EnforcEment Team (STREET).
CHP and RSO investigators conducted surveillance, and at approximately 11:15 p.m., a large group of motorists arrived, most with passengers (including even an infant), and they began engaging in sideshow activities. The task force contacted and detained all involved parties on scene.
There were a total of 7 vehicles involved in the sideshow incident with a total of 12 participants/spectators. The ages of the participants ranged from 17 to 24 years of age. CHP and RSO investigators impounded a total of four vehicles and issued 11 misdemeanor citations. Charges included: Exhibition of speed, reckless driving, driving unlicensed, child endangerment, minor in possession of alcohol, and a misdemeanor warrant. Numerous mechanical violations were cited, including modified emissions systems, excessive exhaust noise, and expired vehicle registration.
The CHP would like to remind the motoring public that sideshows—often involving street racing, car stunts, and large crowds—may seem exciting, but they pose serious risks to participants, bystanders, and communities. These events typically lack the safety precautions of regulated environments, leading to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.
Remember to:
Stay Clear: Avoid attending or getting close to sideshows. Vehicles can easily lose control, putting everyone nearby in harm’s way.
Know the Law: Sideshows are illegal in many areas, and being involved can lead to serious consequences, including fines, vehicle impoundment, and criminal charges.
Be a Safe Driver: The skills displayed in sideshows are not meant for public roads. Reckless driving endangers everyone, from pedestrians to other drivers. Respect traffic laws and encourage others to do the same.
Let’s keep our streets safe. Choose to enjoy driving responsibly and in controlled environments and help spread awareness about the dangers of illegal sideshows. CHP, RSO, and allied law enforcement agencies have a zero-tolerance policy on illegal street racing and sideshows.
The CHP’s mission is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the People of California.
Submitted by California Highway Patrol.
