LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A dangerous street takeover near L.A. Live escalated into vandalism early Saturday, alarming some downtown Los Angeles residents who say such incidents have become increasingly common.
Video of the takeover shows cars spinning in intersections before crowds moved to the high-end Circa LA apartment complex, where vandalism and aggravated assault were reported after the building was breached. The footage has since gone viral and is now part of a police investigation.
City leaders responded Tuesday with promises of a major crackdown in the area.
“I want to put you on notice that the Los Angeles Police Department will be here in force, and if you start mayhem, you will be arrested,” L.A. Mayor Karen Bass said. “We have zero tolerance for breaking windows and running amok.”
Bass said the Los Angeles Police Department will deploy dozens of officers who will focus on the area around Circa apartments and L.A. Live, stretching all the way up to the shopping center at 7th and Figueroa streets.
“We’re looking at 53 officers to start with from all over the city coming together in a task force configuration to be able to address issues as they arise,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said.
Bass emphasized the economic importance of the area, noting that downtown generates 30% of the city’s essential revenue. She warned that anyone contributing to the trouble in one of downtown’s busiest tourist hubs would face arrest.
Residents have reported seeing an increased police presence. Some differed on whether the added enforcement will make a difference.
“I don’t think more police is gonna really do anything. Maybe that’s not the right way to solve the problem,” one downtown L.A. resident told Eyewitness News.
Damond Collier was skeptical. He expressed concern about the issue merely shifting locations.
“It seems like when they try to attack it, it seems they just move from different areas. They’ll stop coming downtown then they’ll be in somebody else’s neighborhood,” he said.
Officials said increased patrols will include officers in vehicles, bikes, on foot and even in mounted units. Police said they plan to use every available resource to break up future problems.
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