Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 1:57
A chaotic series of illegal street takeovers swept through multiple Southern California communities over the weekend, resulting in at least three people injured by gunfire. The gatherings blocked intersections, featured fireworks, and in one case involved a fire, according to authorities.
Street takeovers were reported in Carson, Florence, Boyle Heights, Manhattan Beach, and Watts. Specific intersections included Main Street and Albertoni Street in Carson, Sepulveda and Wilmington, Lomita Boulevard and Figueroa Street on the Wilmington-Carson line, and Manchester Avenue and San Pedro Street along the Broadway-Manchester/Florence border. Video evidence shows large crowds gathering, blocking traffic, and setting off fireworks. In Boyle Heights, a 30-year-old man was hospitalized after being shot during a takeover. The shooting occurred just after 2:20 a.m. near Whittier Boulevard and Lorena Street, and more than 200 vehicles had converged on the intersection. The suspect, described only as a man in his 30s who may have fled behind the wheel of a gray Nissan Altima, has not been located. In Watts, a 17-year-old boy was shot, and a 35-year-old man was taken to the hospital in critical condition. The Watts shooting happened around 5:16 a.m. near Compton Avenue and Imperial Highway, and was the fifth takeover recorded in the area that night.
The neighborhood of Florence, a community in Los Angeles County, was among the areas affected. Residents reported loud noises and disruptions late into the night. The Florence area, known for its dense population, saw streets blocked and fireworks ignited, adding to the chaos.
In a separate incident early Sunday morning, a person was critically injured in a shooting at a street takeover in South Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Police Department reported the shooting at about 4:35 a.m. near 115th Street and Compton Avenue. Officers found a man suffering from at least one gunshot wound; he was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. As of 8 a.m. Sunday, no updates on his condition were provided, and no arrests have been announced.
Street takeovers, often organized via social media, have become a recurring issue in Southern California. They involve groups of drivers and spectators blocking intersections to perform stunts, sometimes leading to violence. Previous incidents have resulted in injuries and property damage, prompting calls for increased enforcement. Earlier incidents this summer — including a fatal shooting at a Carson takeover in late June and another deadly shooting at a South LA gathering over the Fourth of July — suggest this weekend was an escalation of an existing pattern.
The wave of violence highlights ongoing challenges with illegal street gatherings in Los Angeles County. Authorities are investigating but have not made arrests. Residents are urged to report suspicious activity and avoid areas where takeovers are occurring.
