Tujunga: On Friday, June 22, 2001, between 10:45 P.M. and 6:00 A.M., Foothill Area Community Police Station police officers conducted an "Illegal Street Racing Task Force." In addition to the Foothill Division patrol officers, the Task Force consisted of police officers from the California Highway Patrol, the Los Angeles Police Department Reserves, Vice, and the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department. Also assisting the officers were Investigators from the State of California Bureau of Automotive Repair (B.A.R.).

The Task Force targeted a known strip of highway popular with illegal street racing enthusiasts which has historically been a problem in the Sylmar and Sun Valley areas. In order to prevent and deter this illegal and dangerous activity, the Task Force convenes to use statutes designed to facilitate arrests, citations, and confiscation of cars. Specifically, officers arrested illegal street racers [drivers] for violation of Vehicle Code Section 23109(a) [engaging in a speed contest], and illegal street racing starters for violation of Section 23109(b) [aiding in a speed contest]. Spectators were cited for violation of Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) Section 47.15 and juveniles were cited for curfew violations (LAMC Section 45.03).

State B.A.R. Investigators also inspected vehicles suspected of being illegally modified by their owners. All owners of vehicles found to be illegally modified were cited for violation of Vehicle Code Section 27156(b) [disconnection, modification, or alteration of pollution control devices]. Cited violators must return their vehicles to their original factory specifications and undergo follow-up investigations by B.A.R. Investigators prior to highway use to ensure the violations have been corrected.

To help with prevention of illegal street racing along Glenoaks Boulevard between Sheldon and Peoria Streets, the Department of Transportation, the City Attorney, and City Councilmen Wachs and Padilla, caused "Tow Away Zone/ No Stopping from 9:00 P.M. to 6:00A.M." signs to be erected. The signs enable Task Force officers to tow vehicles parked along the highway belonging to individuals who go to watch and encourage the illegal and dangerous street racing activities.

Illegal Street Racer Task Force Arrests & Citation Statistics:

Illegal Street Racing (drivers)..…………………………..4

Illegal Street Racing (starters)..………………………….2

Curfew Violations……………………………………..…24

Citations……………………………………………...….212

Smog Citations………………………………………...…17

For more information regarding Illegal Street Racing or this press release, please contact Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

This press release was prepared by Officer Guillermo Campos, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.