BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Bakersfield Police Department says it has seen fewer street takeovers recently than in past years, but officers continue to investigate the dangerous and illegal events.
A woman suffered severe injuries after an unidentified pickup truck struck her on Niles Street and drove away from the scene late Friday night. PHOTO: KNN.NEWS
Sgt. Caleb Kiser with the Bakersfield Police Department said officers distinguish between organized car meets and street takeovers.
Kiser said some car clubs hold peaceful events with permission from parking-lot owners. Street takeovers, however, can involve people blocking traffic, reckless driving and damage to businesses.
“It’s not uncommon for us to investigate shootings or other type of assaults that occur at those events,” Kiser said. “And then there’s always the risk of being struck by a reckless driver.”
Kiser said BPD believes enforcement actions and investigative tools have helped reduce the number of takeovers recently. Still, he said activity can change depending on people coming into town and events happening throughout Kern County.
“We see changes frequently, but right now we have been fortunate in that I think some of our past enforcement actions have calmed it down a little bit,” Kiser said.
The department relies on tips from the community, as well as investigative tools and technology, to learn about possible takeovers and try to stop dangerous activity before it begins.
When officers respond to a takeover, Kiser said protecting the public is the first priority.
“The safety of the general public is always foremost,” Kiser said.
He said officers sometimes have to balance apprehending reckless drivers against the danger a pursuit could create for the community. Kiser said BPD may continue investigating after a takeover ends, including using investigative tools to identify suspects and, in some cases, seeking warrants to take vehicles from driveways.
When a location becomes a repeated site for dangerous driving, Kiser said BPD provides data and input. He said City Traffic Engineering ultimately makes roadway-design decisions, while police can work with business owners when activity happens on private parking lots.
For people who encounter a street takeover, Kiser advised them not to get involved. He said people should stay out of the area, be a witness, and report descriptions and license-plate numbers to BPD.
“For a few moments of fun, you’re potentially risking a felony criminal case and losing your car for a significant period of time,” Kiser said. “It’s just not worth it.”