Inside LADA

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman was joined today by law enforcement officials to address illegal street takeovers that have become dangerous and sometimes deadly spectacles, warning those who participate can be arrested and face criminal charges.

“Street takeovers often lure young people looking for a thrill or to be entertained,” District Attorney Hochman said. “But these reckless stunts are terrorizing our local communities, sometimes leading to death and often leading to looting, vandalism and other crimes. It doesn’t matter whether you are an organizer, a driver or a spectator – you all share a responsibility in this illegal activity and we are committed to stopping street takeovers to restore public safety.”

Street takeovers occur when an intersection is illegally blocked by people who are mere feet away from drivers who perform donut drifting or other maneuvers at high speeds. These unsanctioned events are promoted on social media and happen without proper safety precautions. As a result, spectators have been injured and killed, streets have been damaged and local businesses robbed.

Individuals who participate in street takeovers and are arrested may face misdemeanor charges, including reckless driving (up to 90 days in county jail and/or $1,000 fine), speed exhibition (up to 90 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine) or being a spectator at illegal takeovers (up to 180 days in jail and/or $500 fine). Participants who injure or kill someone may face felony charges.

Those who opt to participate in street takeovers before they occur, by agreeing to either drive a vehicle, block traffic, be a spectator and/or promote the event via social media or other means may face felony conspiracy charges and state prison sentences.

Two recent cases illustrate the dangers of street takeovers.

On Dec. 25, 2022, Dante Chapple Young (dob 8/12/95) took part in a street takeover at the intersection of Florence Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard in South Los Angeles. He was spinning donuts in his 2011 Chevy Camaro when he clipped a tow truck parked in the intersection, lost control and careened into a group of onlookers, striking and killing 24-year-old Elyzza Guajaca.

In May, Chapple Young pleaded no contest to one felony count each of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and assault with a deadly weapon, his car. Additionally, he admitted allegations that he fled the scene and caused great bodily injury to a second victim. On August 8, he was sentenced to 13 years in state prison in case BA511788.

As part of his plea agreement, Chapple Young filmed a public service announcement that focused on the hazards of street takeovers.

Erick Romero Quintana (dob 5/22/03) was charged in case 25CJCF02727 with 16 counts of conspiracy to commit reckless driving. Between November 2022 and November 2023, Quintana is accused of organizing 16 street takeovers across South Los Angeles using a social media account to notify those who were interested in attending.

In some instances, Quintana gave multiple locations after police responded to the initial street takeover. On Oct. 28, 2023, he allegedly posted online that a takeover was going to happen at the intersection of Imperial Highway and Broadway. Police arrived at the location, but a little less than two hours later Quintana is accused of letting others know that another takeover would occur at the intersection of Manchester Avenue and San Pedro Street. Police responded to the second location and more than an hour later he is accused of posting again about a takeover at Figueroa and 12th streets.

If convicted as charged, Quintana faces up to 13 years in prison.

Besides partnering with law enforcement agencies, the District Attorney’s Office has joined with other county departments to develop and implement a street takeover reduction action plan. Among the plan’s goals are increasing youth outreach and education, expanding enforcement operations and installing deterrents at several intersections known to be takeover locations. Quarterly reports on the plan’s progress are presented to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

“If you treat our streets like your own personal playground, you will find yourself in a courtroom,” District Attorney Hochman said. “We want to prevent any further tragedies from happening and we will continue to work together to curb illegal street takeovers.”