LAPD issues citations, impounds dozens of minibikes in massive 6th Street Bridge takeover bust

Key Points:

• The LAPD's Street Racing Task Force cited over 70 individuals and impounded about 70 minibikes during a large street takeover on the 6th Street Bridge in Los Angeles, involving unauthorized minibike riders performing dangerous stunts and blocking traffic.
• Many participants were minors, with some older adults, including parents, leading the group; police emphasized the high risk of injury due to minibikes' lack of safety equipment and instability on active roadways.
• A father and his 13-year-old daughter, both cited and impounded, defended their ride as safe and legal when supervised, disputing the police's enforcement and legal grounds for citations under California Vehicle Code Section 21720.
• LAPD stressed the operation aimed to educate and protect young riders rather than criminalize them, contacting parents to explain risks and ensuring no injuries occurred during the event.
• Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned parental involvement in the takeover, urging awareness of the dangers posed to children, drivers, and bystanders, and supporting LAPD's efforts to prevent such hazardous activities.