56 people arrested in connection with “street takeovers” in High Desert

Last weekend, officers in Adelanto arrested 56 people in connection with a series of “street takeovers” by car clubs that are said to have taken place in the High Desert in recent weeks.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, 37 adults and 19 minors were arrested during a raid on an abandoned property in Adelanto on Saturday afternoon. Officers seized 23 cars.

“This type of recklessness will not be tolerated in San Bernardino County,” said Sheriff Shannon Dicus. “If these street occupations continue, there will be arrests and cars will be impounded.”

The latest operation was the result of an ongoing investigation into so-called “street takeovers” by car clubs. In one of these operations, participants allegedly attacked and damaged a sheriff’s patrol vehicle in Highland on May 11, sheriff’s officials said in a written statement. The exact location of the vehicle was not disclosed.

“High Desert Car Clubs entered private property and performed sideshow maneuvers,” the statement said. “Investigators arrested participants and spectators as they left the area.”

A stolen Chevrolet Camaro was seized during the raid, authorities said.

Both the adult and juvenile suspects were released with summonses.

Following an incident in Highland on May 11, sheriff’s officials are keeping an eye on road takeovers, in which motorists take control of an intersection or other area to perform stunts with their cars.

Social media videos showed participants damaging a patrol car at the corner of Victoria Avenue and Highland Avenue shortly after midnight.

According to the sheriff’s office, a 15-year-old boy from Menifee was arrested on May 23 in connection with the incident on suspicion of vandalism and attempted car theft.

Investigators identified the participants in the Highland street takeover and found that they had ties to automobile clubs in the High Desert area.