A late-night street takeover in Boyle Heights turned violent early Monday when a man in his 30s was shot and rushed to the hospital, as crowds and dozens of cars swarmed the intersection around him.
The shooting unfolded at about 2:15 a.m. near South Lorena Street and Whittier Boulevard, where a large crowd had taken over the intersection for stunt driving and spectating before the gunfire cut through the chaos.
Police Say Gunman Took Off After Gas Station Shooting
According to the Los Angeles Times, the victim was shot twice at a nearby gas station, then taken to the hospital in unknown condition while the shooter bolted from the scene. Investigators told the paper the suspect may have been driving a gray Nissan Altima, and OnScene.TV video shared with reporters showed multiple patrol cars and yellow tape sealing off the station as officers worked the scene.
Weekend Takeover Trend Turns Rough Across L.A.
Local television coverage linked the Boyle Heights shooting to a broader weekend surge in illegal street takeovers across Los Angeles County. FOX 11 reported that authorities were looking into multiple gatherings that left several people injured and shut down intersections from Carson to Manhattan Beach.
Crackdown Efforts Struggle To Keep Up
Street takeovers, where drivers whip through doughnuts while spectators crowd close for a better view, have already prompted fresh warnings and enforcement efforts from city leaders. The Los Angeles Times notes that Mayor Karen Bass announced in March that the LAPD would surge resources to deter and respond to takeovers, and local TV reporting said one recent gathering drew more than 200 cars.
Detectives Work Leads As Motive Remains Murky
LAPD Hollenbeck detectives said they are reviewing video and talking to witnesses as they try to pin down who pulled the trigger. No arrests have been announced and investigators have not released a motive. Authorities say the investigation is active and more details could surface as the case moves forward.
