Last Saturday, the San Diego Police Department averted an illegal automotive sideshow that aimed to seize control of the city's intersections. The operation culminated in three arrests and the recovery of two unauthorized firearms. As detailed in a police statement, about 200 individuals had set their sights on key locations throughout San Diego County, though they managed one successful blockade at Kenwood Dr. and Bancroft Dr. in Spring Valley, causing damages estimated at $13,800.
The swift intervention of SDPD’s Traffic and Western Divisions, along with aerial support from a police helicopter known as ABLE, stopped the group from hijacking additional intersections, which included Genesee Ave. & Science Center Dr., Ruffin Rd. & Ridgehaven Ct., Fashion Valley Rd. & Riverwalk Dr., 2100 Market St., and Harvest Rd. & Airway Rd. Despite their efforts, a white Kia sedan was later identified speeding away from the Fashion Valley Rd. and Riverwalk Dr. area after officers heard gunshots, which led to a traffic stop where a loaded, unserialized handgun with a 32-round magazine and spent shell casings were discovered inside the vehicle leading to the apprehension and subsequent release of two teens to their families and one remanded to Juvenile Hall.
Authorities also detained a man carrying a concealed weapon near Harvest Rd. and Airway Rd. and arrested a known coordinator of these and previous illegal events, Calijah "Zilla" Young, for conspiracy to commit felony vandalism and other related charges. Young faces many charges, including reckless driving and obstructing arrest, and the department continues to pursue additional suspects affiliated with orchestrating these activities.
The San Diego Police Department has issued a stern warning against the perilous displays of exhibitionist driving, which have in the past led to fatal consequences and posed a risk to public safety.
