Officials on Saturday shutdown a massive sideshow in San Jose, issuing close to 200 citations and impounding multiple vehicles.
The sideshow occurred at San Ignacio Ave. and Great Oaks Blvd. Authorities were able to shut it down using a "coordinated/organized response with available resources," officials announced on Sunday.
Approximately 170 citations were issued for the spectators ordinance, while six vehicles were impounded for 30 days.
"This dangerous activity is not welcomed in San José, we will find you, cite you, and tow your car if possible," police tweeted.
Authorities shared multiple images from the scene, including someone amongst the tightly grouped crowd firing an assault rifle towards the sky, which officials said disputes the belief that these shows are simply "just a bunch of young people showing off cars."
Multiple cities have attempted to address the prevalence of illegal sideshows across the Bay Area. A 300 person event in Oakland on July 4 critically injured one man and prompted calls from a city council member for stronger penalties.
"We understand the public is frustrated, but we really are doing the best we can," San Jose Police Sgt. Christian Camarillo told KPIX last month in the wake of another large sideshow in the city. He added they are too short staffed to commit enough resources to handle some of the events.
Sideshow drivers can face fines up to $1000 and prison sentences as long as 90 days.
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