A targeted operation by the Los Angeles Police Department resulted in the seizure of dozens of small motorized bikes and the issuance of numerous citations following a massive street takeover on the 6th Street Bridge. The weekend enforcement action aimed to curb unauthorized stunt riding and protect young participants operating unsafe vehicles on active public roadways.
Officers assigned to the LAPD’s Street Racing Task Force moved in after discovering a large group consisting of more than 70 individuals gathered on the iconic viaduct. According to police reports, members of the group were operating unauthorized motorized minibikes, obstructing bridge lanes, performing stunts like wheelies and donuts, drifting into opposing traffic, and weaving dangerously through moving vehicles.
Department officials described the gathering as a severe public hazard that compromised the safety of everyday commuters, pedestrians, and nearby residents. The agency emphasized that shutting down open thoroughfares for unregulated motor displays disrupts normal traffic patterns and strips the public of safe access to city streets.
Investigators noted that the operation was executed with heightened caution due to the significant presence of juvenile riders. Law enforcement leaders stressed that many young people involved in such gatherings do not fully appreciate the extreme physical dangers associated with riding pocket bikes across busy urban corridors.
Police emphasized the inherent hazards of minibikes, which are generally manufactured without the safety equipment required for standard street-legal vehicles. Because these compact bikes possess a very low visual profile and lack mechanical stability, officers warned that a single error in judgment or navigation could easily result in catastrophic injuries.
Demographic assessments by the LAPD revealed that the ages of participants spanned a wide range, from children as young as 13 to adults up to 50 years old. Officials raised particular concern over the fact that several mature adults, including parents riding alongside their minor children, were actively leading the large pack across the bridge.
Highlighting the city’s firm stance against street disorder, LAPD Deputy Chief German Hurtado underscored that municipal authorities will no longer tolerate the widespread chaos stemming from these gatherings. Hurtado pointed out the extensive traffic delays and disturbances these incidents generate across Los Angeles neighborhoods.
The LAPD further clarified that the definition of a street takeover is not restricted solely to modified passenger cars or burnouts. Enforcement efforts extend equally to mass assemblies of dirt bikes, mini motorcycles, and pocket bikes, especially when operated illegally by minors under the age of 18 on public streets.
During the enforcement sweep, officers cited California Vehicle Code Section 21720 as part of their legal action against the riders. The department maintained that the core objective of the intervention was preventative, aiming to educate families and protect underage youth from potentially fatal traffic accidents.
Despite the department’s warnings, some participants expressed frustration with the impoundments and citations. Marvin Deleon, who attended the gathering alongside his 13-year-old daughter, Leilani Deleon, confirmed that both of their minibikes were impounded and both received citations from responding officers.
Speaking about the encounter, Deleon maintained that the assembly was not an unlawful street takeover, but rather a community "rideout" intended to celebrate a birthday. He argued that riding directly next to his daughter ensured her safety and contended that supervised family recreation on minibikes should not be treated as a criminal offense.
Deleon also disputed claims that the riders had blocked vehicular flow on the bridge, arguing that past police encounters were far less restrictive. According to Deleon, officers in prior instances had permitted the group to proceed as long as riders wore safety helmets, avoided extreme reckless behavior, and refrained from obstructing traffic.
The father further questioned the legal justification of citing his daughter for her age, demanding statutory evidence prohibiting her from riding alongside him. Nevertheless, department guidelines establish that juvenile riders on non-compliant minibikes cannot lawfully navigate active city streets, regardless of parental proximity.
Leilani Deleon shared details of her interaction with law enforcement, stating that officers encircled the group and restrained her wrists with zip-ties, which left marks. She explained that the riders were simply gathered in place and had no intention of fleeing when the task force converged on the bridge.
By the end of the operation, the LAPD estimated that approximately 70 individuals had received formal citations and roughly 70 unauthorized minibikes were impounded. Police officials affirmed that the department will maintain an active posture against future unauthorized group rides to uphold roadway safety across the city.
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