NSFW: Dodge Charger Crashes into Crowd at Anaheim Street Takeover

A harrowing street takeover in Anaheim early Friday morning turned into a nightmare when the driver of a Dodge Charger lost control, slamming into a crowd of onlookers and causing serious injuries. The frightening incident unfolded at the intersection of E Orangewood Avenue and S State College Boulevard and has since triggered a police investigation.

Video footage circulating on social media shows the intense moment the Charger spiraled out of control, hitting several people and possibly pinning them beneath the car. Authorities confirm that when police arrived at the chaotic scene, no one was trapped under the vehicle. However, two 19-year-old males, hailing from Lancaster and Orange, lay in the middle of the street, suffering from major injuries. They were rushed to UCI Medical Center, where they were listed in stable condition.

“It’s absolutely unsafe and unacceptable behavior,” said Sgt. Jacob Gallacher of the Anaheim Police Department. He emphasized the risks these street takeovers pose, both for participants and innocent bystanders.

Street Takeovers: An Increasingly Dangerous Phenomenon – 

Street takeovers—sometimes called sideshows in other parts of California—are gatherings where drivers perform dangerous stunts, such as burnouts and doughnuts, in the middle of public roads. Spectators often crowd around, blocking intersections and risking their safety for a close-up view of the action. The events, which originated in Oakland in the 1980s, have since spread to cities like Los Angeles, Detroit, Kansas City, and even areas in Texas.

These illegal gatherings have become more sophisticated over the years. What used to be organized openly on social media platforms has now shifted to more private channels, such as WhatsApp, making it harder for law enforcement to track and prevent the events.

“Addressing street takeovers is challenging,” said Sgt. Gallacher. “Now they’re using encrypted messaging apps to spread the word and announce locations.”

Impact on the Car Community and Rising Vehicle Theft – 

While street takeovers are often glamorized in videos posted online, the car community is feeling the negative effects. Enthusiasts argue that these reckless stunts make responsible car lovers look bad and attract a surge of vehicle thefts, especially of high-performance models like Dodge HELLCATs and Scat Packs. These stolen cars are often used in street takeovers, amplifying the sense of lawlessness.

In addition to vehicle damage and injuries, these events have seen violent escalations, including shootings and other crimes. Despite efforts by cities like Anaheim to curb the problem—such as enacting laws that penalize spectators with misdemeanors or infractions—the danger remains a real threat.

Local residents, like Hugo, who lives near Friday’s takeover location, are fed up. “I couldn’t sleep that night because of all the commotion,” he said. “This isn’t the first time it’s happened. When police show up, everyone just scatters.”

Authorities and Community Efforts to Curb Street Takeovers – 

The Anaheim Police Department, alongside other law enforcement agencies, continues to search for the driver of the Charger, who fled the scene on foot. He faces serious charges, including felony hit-and-run. Police are also urging the public to come forward with any additional footage or information.

While the number of street takeovers has reportedly decreased in Anaheim—from around 1,700 incidents in 2020 to about 720 so far this year—these events still pose a significant risk to public safety. More action is clearly needed to address this growing issue for the safety of both the public and the integrity of the car community.

Videos of these dangerous events may garner attention online, but the real-life consequences are devastating. Whether it’s injuries to innocent bystanders or the tarnishing of the car enthusiast community’s reputation, the impact of street takeovers extends far beyond just a few viral clips.

Source: ABC7 and TheContentExchange