Police block in dozens of ATVs, dirt bikes during Bay Bridge takeover in San Francisco area
SAN FRANCISCO — A takeover involving dozens of dirt bikes and ATVs on the Bay Bridge in the San Francisco area led to multiple arrests and vehicles seizures this week.
More than 100 Oakland, San Francisco and California Highway Patrol officers took part in stopping a sideshow Sunday afternoon after tracking the group for hours.
Police said the group started in East Oakland, traveled into San Francisco and then turned back around.
Drone video released by the Oakland Police Department shows traffic on the Bay Bridge come to a standstill for drivers as officers moved in. One person jumped off the bridge into the water while trying to escape, while others fled on foot.
In total, nine people were arrested and 77 ATVs and dirt bikes were confiscated, but authorities say there’s more to come.
“If you made it away yesterday, just expect a knock at your door,” said interim Oakland Police Chief James Beere.
Beere said coordination between agencies allowed officers to intercept the group at the right moment.
“We were aided by both San Francisco Police Department, the California Highway Patrol. We found a spot, particularly at the bridge at the right time when all of our coordination efforts were in place,” he said.
During a news conference Monday, leaders from all three agencies appeared together to underscore what they described as a regional, unified effort to stop illegal sideshows – something police say has historically been difficult because participants cross multiple jurisdictions.
“Collaboration and seamless communication between Oakland PD, San Francisco PD and the CHP has resulted in negating these jurisdictional gaps that have been an obstacle in years past,” said California Highway Patrol Golden Gate Division Chief Steve Ramos.
They said the confiscated vehicles are worth at least $200,000.
There is a system they must go through, but Beere said if it were up to him they’d all be destroyed.
“We know these takeovers are a regional problem, and we will continue to work in close collaboration with our local and state partners,” said San Francisco police Officer Derrick Lew.
Police also highlighted earlier enforcement efforts aimed not just at riders, but organizers.
Oakland police said two people were arrested Friday for promoting sideshows.
“Leading up to this, we did arrest two promoters, that were at least trying to organize another sideshow prior to this one,” Beere said. “So it’s not just the individual operators, it’s also the organizers.”
As for why only nine were arrested, police said public safety for residents, participants and officers remains the priority.
There are laws they have to abide by when it comes to chasing, but they said they have enough information to likely make more arrests.
“We’re banding together, and we’re going to address this issue, and we’re going to hold people accountable for acting badly,” Beere said.
More Video: https://www.foxnews.com/video/6394696471112
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