An early-morning street takeover in northwest Las Vegas ended in handcuffs instead of cheers after police say a blue Ford pickup hit a bystander in the middle of the intersection, an impact later seen in a social media video.
The chaos unfolded at about 3 a.m. on April 25 at Mount Hood Street and Ann Road, according to Las Vegas police. Detectives later identified 22-year-old Cesar Sosa as the driver, and he was arrested on May 7 and booked into the Clark County Detention Center on driving, disobeying a peace officer and other driving-related charges.
What police say
According to KSNV, the LVMPD air unit first spotted the blue Ford pickup whipping through the intersection with illegal driving maneuvers while crowds looked on. Patrol officers moved in to stop the truck, but it took off at a high rate of speed.
Detectives later tracked down a social media video that shows the pickup striking a person standing in the roadway. Investigators say that footage helped them identify Sosa as the driver before taking him into custody on May 7.
Police are still trying to track down the person who was hit in the video. Anyone who recognizes the individual or has information about the incident is asked to call detectives at 702-828-5766 or Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.
Takeovers and a valleywide crackdown
Street takeovers, where drivers spin donuts, light up burnouts and pull off risky stunts while spectators crowd dangerously close, have sparked a valleywide pushback from law enforcement.
State and local agencies have been teaming up on enforcement and arrests tied to these side-show style events. In one December incident, a street takeover connected to a shooting led to multiple arrests, as reported by FOX5.
Legal next steps
Authorities list Sosa's current counts as driving, disobeying a peace officer and other driving-related offenses, per KSNV. Prosecutors will review the case and decide whether to file additional charges, such as reckless driving or endangerment, as detectives continue gathering evidence.
How to help
Detectives say anyone who was at Mount Hood Street and Ann Road during the April 25 takeover or who captured video of the incident should share it with investigators. Tips can be submitted directly to LVMPD detectives at 702-828-5766 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.
