A night of illegal street racing throughout southern Orange County led to the arrest of three people, police say.
Upward of 100 cars began gathering about 9:35 p.m. Feb 5, when Mission Viejo deputies responded to reports of a large number of vehicles driving recklessly and congregating in a parking lot near the intersection of Avery and Marguerite, said Orange County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Sgt. Dennis Breckner.
Police monitored the activity, and the vehicles left within 20 minutes, he said.
About 90 minutes later, at 11:07 p.m., San Juan Capistrano deputies responded to reports of a large number of vehicles blocking the intersection of Camino Capistrano and Junipero Serra.
When deputies arrived, the vehicles left.
Similar reports were made to Dana Point police Feb. 6 at 12:02 a.m., and deputies again observed a large number of vehicles, this time near Dana Point Harbor Drive and Island Way. Deputies followed the vehicles until they entered northbound Interstate 5 where they were followed by California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers.
A final report was made at 12:28 a.m., when Ladera Ranch deputies saw a large number of vehicles driving on Antonio Parkway being followed by the CHP. The vehicles left the area within minutes.
“In brief review of all logs, it appears that approximately five citations were issued in several different areas, and one vehicle was towed,” Breckner told The Epoch Times in an email.
CHP Officer Rafael Reynoso said police arrested two people for driving under the influence. A third person was arrested for their involvement in a pursuit. There were street races also reported in Laguna Niguel, Reynoso said, and in each location, there were an average of 20 to 100 cars.
“It’s sporadic, and it is unusual for the area, and there isn’t one particular area—they go from one location to another,” Reynoso told The Epoch Times.
Reynoso said there’s no information on whether the current street races are connected to the previous investigation.
In an earlier press release, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer highlighted the dangers of the practice.
“Orange County roads are not raceways designed to accommodate illegal street races of speeds reaching 160 miles per hour,” Spitzer said.
“Street racing is irresponsible, it’s dangerous, and it shows a complete disregard for the lives of everyone involved, including the participants, the spectators, and the innocent bystanders.”
Meanwhile, Reynoso had some advice for anyone who witnesses street racing.
“Call 911 and get as much information as you possibly can,” Reynoso said. “Don’t get involved; you never know who you’re dealing with.”
