It happened again last Monday around 1am: a squad of motorists blocked the intersection of Figueroa Street and El Segundo Blvd., creating a sort of “pit” in which the most reckless drivers did donuts as spectators watched.
A second traffic blockage occurred later that night, clogging the 110 Freeway and stalling several individuals in the midst of family emergencies.
“There were people on the freeway that were trying really to get to places they needed to go…and they’re just sitting there stuck so these guys can do their thing,” laments LAPD Detective Ryan Moreno. “People are getting really tired of this.”
The first incident, described by local news as a “street takeover” spawned a flash mob that stormed into and looted a nearby 7-11 (see image above). The gas station was staffed by a single employee who found himself in a “violent encounter” with one of the perpetrators after items were thrown over the register at him.
As noted by the LAPD in a press release, the term “flash mob” was first used to describe a group of people who assemble suddenly in a public area, perform a dance or other activity for a short period of time, and then disperse. Flash mobs are typically organized through social media for the purposes of entertainment or artistic expression, but have recently evolved into opportunistic criminal events.
“It turns into an angry, somewhat mob mentality,” said Moreno. “They come inside the store, they start ransacking the place, taking everything.”
Most of the looters had fled before the police arrived, but authorities are examining surveillance video in an attempt to identify some of the individuals involved. The 7-11 clerk told authorities he had been afraid for his life during the incident.
Author’s Note: LA has labeled this crime a “street takeover” as if this is something that shows the power of the street. This behavior really shows the lack of morality in LA and the willingness of these people to screw over their neighbors.
Sources:
‘Flash Mob’ Looters Ransack Convenient Store after Street Takeover