Oakland residents woke up to a scene of automotive anarchy on Sunday morning, with hundreds of thrill-seekers transforming city streets into their personal racetrack. The Oakland Police Department found themselves playing an exhausting game of vehicular whack-a-mole as sideshows erupted across multiple locations, leaving behind scorched rubber and shattered neighborhood peace.

A Night of Automotive Rebellion

What started as a typical weekend night quickly escalated into a full-blown street spectacle. Participants in over 200 cars converged at intersections like 41st and Howe streets, turning the urban landscape into their personal playground. One particularly dramatic moment saw a car burst into flames - because apparently, regular donuts weren’t dramatic enough.

The Policing Predicament

Oakland Police were stretched thin, with only 16 patrol cars available to manage the chaos. They managed to issue 21 citations and tow four vehicles, but the cat-and-mouse game continued as sideshow participants would simply relocate when officers arrived. The police union didn’t hold back, calling for more officers and suggesting that restrictive city policies were handcuffing their response.

A City’s Ongoing Challenge

Mayor Barbara Lee acknowledged the ongoing public safety concerns, highlighting plans to hire more officers and reach a force of 700. The city is investing in police academies and sideshow prevention activities, signaling a commitment to addressing these urban street performances that turn neighborhoods into impromptu racetracks.

For those with insider information, OPD is actively seeking video and photographic evidence. So, if you caught the mayhem on camera, they want to hear from you.