Some Living Word Harvest churchgoers were nearby, hosting a Labor Day barbecue in the park. Pastor Lawrance Garcia says he heard a gunshot, and rushed to check if Officer Larry Barnhill was okay.
On Saturday around 2:30 a.m., screeching tires and cheering crowds woke up downtown residents near Columbus and Wacker. Hundreds of people blocked the intersection, as one of several so-called "street takeovers" was quickly organized via social media.
Speed bumps are being installed as city officials hope to mitigate the crimes. A center median and fencing to discourage people from scaling the archways could also be installed soon.
The FOP said that while officers responded, they were pelted with rocks, bottles, and a sergeant took two direct hits to the eyes from a laser beam being used by someone in the crowd.
Troopers tried to stop the white Mustang, which sped away on Northside Drive. As Atlanta police followed the car via air, GSP troopers on the ground were hot on his tail.
The Street Racing Task Force has answered 8,300 calls, issued more than 7,000 citations and made more than 1,000 misdemeanor and 200 felony arrests. 1,000+ vehicles have been towed.
San Jose police confirm they got the calls reporting the side show but say they were so tapped responding to other crimes they didn't have enough officers to respond safely.
Violators could be charged with a misdemeanor and face fines of up to $1,000, six months in jail or some combination of both if they promote, instigate or encourage any such events online in the wake of a new ordinance passed by San Jose City Council this week.
Law enforcement agencies nationwide are developing new strategies and tactics to shut down and prevent organized reckless driving and racing.
Interim Chief James White said he will deploy extra officers on overtime to carry out the plan's five components: Increasing police presence; strict enforcement of noise code violations; cracking down on parking lot owners who allow tailgating parties; curbing drag racing and drifting; and community engagement.
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