Illegal Street Racing Activity in the City of Thousand Oaks 

May 26, 2024 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that on May 19, 2024, at approximately 6:11 P.M., the Ventura County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center began to receive multiple calls from Thousand Oaks residents about a large gathering of vehicles on Westlake Blvd. that were engaged in illegal street racing activities.  The initial caller stated they observed over 100 vehicles racing on Westlake Blvd, going southbound toward East Potrero Road.  Within minutes of the first call, our Dispatch Center received multiple additional calls from concerned residents in the area asking for police to respond.  The callers described seeing 100 to 150 cars in a pack that were driving recklessly, aggressively and racing each other.  Pedestrians and bicyclists were also present.
 
Thousand Oaks Police Department patrol and traffic units were in the area and were able to respond quickly.  Once on scene, deputies realized illegal racing activities were occurring. Several vehicles were observed engaging in speed contests (racing) and the exhibition of speed.  Traffic stops were conducted on multiple vehicles.
 
Initial investigation revealed an out-of-the-county car club came into the city of Thousand Oaks for an organized event.  Once on Westlake Blvd., multiple members of this club started to engage in illegal racing activities and speed contests.  Although most of the car club left the area and headed southbound on Highway 23, several members were observed to be racing and stopped by TOPD deputies. 
 
In conclusion, 2 subjects were arrested for engaging in a speed contest.  Additionally, multiple vehicles were cited for various vehicle code infractions.  The 2 vehicles engaged in racing were impounded by the TOPD for 30 days.
 
At this time, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, The City of Thousand Oaks, and the Thousand Oaks PD Traffic Bureau would like to remind the public that your safety is extremely important to us and we have a zero-tolerance policy for any illegal street racing activities.  We would also like to remind anyone thinking of engaging in racing or speed contests that they will be arrested, their involved vehicle will be seized by the TOPD and impounded for 30 days. 
 
Did you know that your vehicle can be impounded for aiding and abetting in a street race?  Although you may not be “racing,” the vehicle code considers you to be involved in a street race or speed contest by the act of aiding, abetting, and blocking.  Several vehicle code sections are provided below for reference.
 
REFERENCE
California Vehicle Code Sections 23109(a)(b)(c).  

1. No person shall engage in a motor vehicle speed contest on a highway.
2. A person shall not aid or abet in any motor vehicle speed contest on any highway.
3. A person shall not engage in a motor vehicle exhibition of speed on a highway, and a person shall not aid or abet in a motor vehicle exhibition of speed on any highway.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Source: Ventura County Sheriff's Office