Chaotic scenes unfolded in Oakland, California, over the weekend as multiple illegal sideshow events were organized overnight before taking an ugly turn. Multiple stolen vehicles were involved in the dangerous activities, with at least one car being burned to the ground.
Footage that emerged on social media depict a Subaru Outback repeatedly crashing into a silver Nissan 370Z, which had been vandalized prior to being set on fire. The surreal incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning at Lake Merritt, creating a scene reminiscent of a post-apocalyptic movie.
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Other videos from that night captured large groups of people gathered in intersections while drivers were performing dangerous stunts like donuts, and individuals lighting fire rings while a police helicopter flew overhead. As a result of the reckless behavior, several crashes occurred, but miraculously, there were no reports of serious injuries.
According to the Oakland Police Department, a large number of vehicles, at least 250, participated in an illegal sideshow at the intersection of 10th and Oak Streets on May 5. The department received reports of a vehicle fire, use of fireworks and lasers, and people obstructing traffic to perform donuts.
Authorities were able to seize and tow around 80 vehicles, demonstrating the scale of the operation. While no arrests were made at the time, investigators are currently working to identify the individuals responsible for the chaos and those who participated in the sideshows. The Oakland Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation.
This is not the first time such an illegal gathering has been organized in the area. Last December, around 100 vehicles were involved in a similar sideshow, shutting down San Francisco Bay Bridge in the process. Thankfully, that one was resolved in a less serious and life-threatening manner.
