Richmond police have recently cracked down on illegal sideshow activity, responding to an event that drew hundreds to W. Cutting Blvd and Canal Blvd. The scene was chaotic, filled with commercial-grade fireworks and spectators as 200 people watched drivers perform reckless stunts. The Richmond Police Department described the efforts to disperse the crowd and the subsequent pursuit of offenders attempting a hasty getaway.
During the pursuit, several vehicles took a wrong turn onto E. Richmond Ave and Wine St, finding themselves at a dead end. This sequence of choices meant one driver running over both a tire deflation device and a concrete island, leading to flat tires, the others remained and were cornered by the police. The Richmond Police Department emphasized, "Although officers didn’t locate it, we are sure the tire and body shop will", suggesting the undeniable evidence of the night's escapades might soon appear at local repair shops. The remaining drivers faced citations, and their vehicles were impounded for 30 days, the specter of steep fines and possible license suspensions looming over them as they presumably calculated the costs of their actions.
The penalties for such reckless driving events are substantial, with the cited individuals staring down fines of up to $500, not to mention towing fees. Most participants were not local, hailing from locations as diverse as Patterson and Sacramento, and were left with the inconvenience of a long walk or expensive ride-share to return home. The Richmond Police Department was clear on its stance against sideshows, "We might not catch all of them, but we can catch some of them and if we do we will take your car and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law!"
