June 6, 2024 – San Diego Police Department officials report that the Department (SDPD) was informed that a sideshow takeover was being planned within San Diego County on Saturday, June 1. SDPD’s Traffic and Western Divisions responded and prevented the group from carrying out their plan. Three people were arrested and two illegal firearms were recovered as a result of the operation.
The group of about 200 people attempted to target the following intersections:
- Genesee Ave. & Science Center Dr.
- Ruffin Rd. & Ridgehaven Ct.
- Fashion Valley Rd. & Riverwalk Dr.
- 2100 Market St.
- Harvest Rd. & Airway Rd.
The quick response from this team, with the assistance of the San Diego Police helicopter (ABLE), thwarted any takeover activity in the City of San Diego.
The group was able to carry out one intersection takeover at Kenwood Dr. and Bancroft Dr. in Spring Valley on Saturday. They caused an estimated $13,800 in damage to the roadway.
Officers at the Fashion Valley Rd. and Riverwalk Dr. location heard gunshots as a white Kia sedan sped away from the scene. A hot stop of the 
vehicle was conducted, and three teens were detained. A loaded unserialized handgun was recovered from the vehicle containing a 32-round magazine. Spent shell casings were also found inside the vehicle. One of the teens was booked into Juvenile Hall and the other two were released to family.
The coordinator for these takeovers, and numerous previous takeovers, was seen by investigative personnel at the Harvest Rd. and Airway Rd. location as participants were attempting to block the roadway. As the participants fled the scene, the car transporting the coordinator was stopped several blocks away. A passenger was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon after a loaded firearm was found in his possession.
The known coordinator, Calijah “Zilla” Young was arrested for conspiracy to commit felony vandalism, exhibition of speed, reckless driving, facilitating an exhibition of speed and obstructing arrest.
Additional participants, including other coordinators of these events, are being sought for criminal charges.
Drivers who willfully participate in illegal motor vehicle speed contests, exhibitions of speed, including intersection or freeway takeovers, motor vehicle stunts, and other willful similar acts involving a motor vehicle are extremely dangerous and deadly to human life. If drivers continue to willfully drive a vehicle in this fashion, with wanton disregard for their safety and the safety of others, and because of their driving, if someone is killed, they can also be charged with murder.
The San Diego Police Department does not condone these illegal, inherently dangerous stunts on our shared roadways. These activities have regularly precipitated the loss of and serious injury to human life throughout the county, the state, and the nation. Those committed to continuing their involvement in these criminal acts will face arrest and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
Source & photos: San Diego Police Department
