CHP: 'Street Racers Attempted To Block Traffic, Cause Safety Issues To Drivers On 105 Freeway In LA'
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Officers closed a portion of the 105 Freeway Sunday after street racers attempted to block traffic, which caused safety issues to other drivers last night.
According to California Highway Patrol Officers, a SigAlert was issued from 3:30 a.m. to 4:48 a.m., for lanes on the Eastbound 105 freeway, between Crenshaw Boulevard to Vermont Avenue.
The CHP Southern Division alerted the public just before 5:00 a.m. of the SigAlert cancellation on Twitter:
SIGALERT CANCELLATION: EB I-105 AT CRENSHAW - ALL LANES NOW OPEN - REF LOG 0601
— CHP Southern Div. (@CHPsouthern) December 28, 2014
CHP officers worked with the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Saturday night on a planned task force to bring down illegal street racing.
"The three large agencies were ready when the illegal drag racers tried to block the freeway to regular traffic," said CHP Officer Tony Polizzi.
Authorities explained reports came in of drivers who were illegally street racing in the area and were causing traffic safety issues, along with hazards, which impacted public access to roads.
"This growing situation of illegal racing and cruising draws in spectators who create a public safety hazard through their unsafe driving, obstruction of public roadways and increasingly violent behavior," Polizzi said.
"We investigated and determined who the involved parties were that initiated the closure attempt, conducted appropriate enforcement action and then released traffic," he added.
Officers explained they made several arrests for narcotics, warrants, stolen firearms, stolen vehicles and DUI's during their investigation.
Several small pursuits also ensued between alleged suspects and officers last night.
No injuries were reported.
It remains unclear how many suspects were taken into custody at this time, as police explained arrest reports will not be made available until Monday morning.
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