SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — A large sideshow prompted a heavy law enforcement presence Thursday night in the Rosemont neighborhood of Sacramento County.
The Sacramento County Sherriff’s Office says around 600 people gathered to participate or watch, which prompted neighbors to call about the noise.
“This is definitely larger than what we are used to,” said sheriff's office spokesperson Sgt. Amar Gandhi. “We estimated somewhere around 150 cars or so."
It happened at a park and ride lot near the light rail station at Watt Avenue and Folsom Boulevard.
Law enforcement officers blocked both entrances as they issued citations. The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office assisted California Highway Patrol in the crackdown. Gandhi says they issued citations to a handful of drivers while CHP says they issued more than 40 citations, towed away three cars and arrested one person.
"There are these meetup groups and stuff going on throughout the city and county. Those do not bother anybody,” said Gandhi. “It's when it rises to the level of that sideshow when you are exhibiting some dangerous behavior. You have seen some of the YouTube videos throughout California. This is not the place that it's going happen."
Social media chatter mentioned the get together was supposed to be a car meet, but nearby residents say Thursday night was the loudest they have ever heard.
Chris Hamel lives nearby and says get together happens frequently, but not of this size.
“Loud and chaotic,” said Chris Hamel. "I am just thankful they are keeping it out of the neighborhood and doing it out an empty parking lot.”
Hamel and his neighbors wonder if a venue is needed, especially after the Sacramento Raceway Park recently closed.
"There is such a high demand for people wanting to have fun with their cars. I think it is a form of expression and they need a place to do that,” said Hamel.
Law enforcement ask people if they come across a sideshow, to not get out of their car. If possible, capture the license plate numbers and the vehicle description and call 911.
CHP says sideshow spectators could be arrested for aiding and abetting, while drivers will be arrested and their vehicle impounded for 30 days.
