STOCKTON, Calif. — A large sideshow in Stockton Friday night ended in crowds of people detained and 88 cars being towed away.
According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, deputies closed the intersection of Country Club Boulevard and Pershing Avenue around 11:30 p.m. Friday due to sideshow activity.
At the scene, a sheriff's office bus parked blocking Country Club Boulevard while crowds of people were detained, guarded by deputies armed with non-lethal weapons.
The Sheriff's Office says that in total, its deputies detained more than 150 people and forwarded their information to the District Attorney's Office for potential charges.
Deputies arrested three people on suspicion of resisting arrest. One of the three is accused of assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly hitting a law enforcement car while trying to get away from the area. Deputies said another fleeing car hit an officer who sustained minor injuries.
Standing behind police tape as they watched the crowds of people corralled by deputies, spectators of the sideshow described law enforcement's massive response to the intersection as excessive.
"I think it was a little excessive, to be honest. It was fun while it lasted but I feel like it was excessive," said a spectator who identified himself as Nicholas. "I don't think it should be this much just for kids sliding around in some cars."
In the past, neighbors in the area have complained about a relaxed police response to sideshows. In a statement, the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office said that all future sideshows will be met with the same level of enforcement as Friday night's.
The Sheriff's Office characterized the response as part of a sideshow task force mission. According to authorities, deputies infiltrated a sideshow group to find out locations after learning that a sideshow event was planned for the weekend in Stockton and Sacramento.
"The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office continues to take a zero tolerance policy on sideshow activity. Our office has remained vigilant and proactive to prevent and stop sideshow activity, and in cases like tonight immediately responded," the statement said. "We want to make it clear that all persons participating, spectating or involved, will be held to the full extent of the law."
Nicholas and other spectators said that if a pit or track were opened up in the area where drivers could do doughnuts legally and safely, it would keep kids off the streets and generate revenue for the city.
"We wouldn't be outside if we had a legal pit for real. We've tried it before with a lot of places but cops always (mess) with us regardless of whether we're in the street or if we have a pit," said Nicholas. "Y'all want the kids to stay out of trouble, y'all want money for the city? Give us a legal pit."
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