Northridge Street Takeover Results in Arrest NR26155nd

Northridge: On July 26, 2026, the driver of a 2013, Chevrolet Caprice was performing circular burnouts during an illegal street takeover at the intersection of Plummer Street and Haskell Avenue. During the street takeover, the driver performed dangerous acts of reckless driving resulting in a violent collision with two spectators. The driver fled the scene without stopping, identifying himself, or rendering aid to the spectators.

One of the spectators suffered a head injury as a result of being hit by the Chevrolet Caprice. The second spectator suffered a severe lower leg injury.

Valley Traffic Division personnel conducted an extensive follow-up investigation and identified the hit-and-run driver and vehicle. The Chevrolet Caprice was also located and is in police custody.

On August 6, 2026, 21-year-old, Santa Barbara resident, Benjamin Witt was arrested and transported to Van Nuys Jail Division where he was booked on the following charges:

· 2 counts of Felony Hit-and-Run resulting in injury to another person, in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 20001(B)(2).
· 2 counts of Felony Reckless Driving causing bodily injury in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 23103(a).

His booking number is 7293725 and his bail was set at $80,000.

Street takeovers are dangerous and illegal, and it may result in your vehicle being seized for 30 days. Engaging in violent acts of reckless driving behavior while innocent bystanders are present can result in someone being seriously injured and/or killed with serious criminal charges being filed.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact Valley Traffic Division Officer Takishita at 818-644-8116. During non-business hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.