Cars Impounded In Crackdown On Sideshows, Santa Rosa Police Say

SANTA ROSA, CA — To address an increasing number of sideshows that have regularly taken place over the last several months in Santa Rosa, police have started impounding cars.

"Santa Rosa Police Department has received numerous complaints from community members and business owners about illegal sideshows happening throughout Santa Rosa," Santa Rosa police Sgt. Christopher Mahurin said.

Sideshow participants come from Santa Rosa and other Bay Area cities, with the number of cars ranging from 25 to 300, according to police.

"To address the increase in these dangerous and criminal activities, SRPD has increased enforcement and begun impounding participating vehicles," Mahurin said. Sideshows are dangerous for drivers, spectators, businesses and community members."

This week, SRPD received court orders to impound cars participating in the sideshows. As of Friday, traffic officers had already impounded 12 cars.

"The vehicles are impounded for 30-days and the registered owner of the vehicle is responsible for all towing and storage fees," Mahurin said.

Traffic officers are also investigating participants for possible criminal charges.

"The Santa Rosa Police Department is committed to deterring illegal street racing, reckless driving, and illicit sideshows within our community," Mahurin said.