May 17, 2025 – Monterey County Sheriff’s Office officials report that they have impounded 4 vehicles that were involved in illegal sideshow activity during an event that took place on Friday, May 2, 2025.

On May 15, 2025, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office served 4 court orders to seize 4 different vehicles that had participated in illegal sideshow activity during a sideshow event that took place in a shopping center located at Boronda Road and Sanborn Road in Salinas.

On May 2, 2025, The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office along with other law enforcement agencies, conducted an operation which shut down a sideshow. During the operation, over 80 citations were issued, 65 of which were misdemeanors. Four vehicles were towed on that same night and six vehicles were referred to the state referee for inspection.

As part of this investigation, Monterey County Sheriff’s Detectives were able to gather information on four additional vehicles that were found that evening. Our detectives were unable to identify the drivers but were able to confirm that the vehicles had been used in the illegal sideshow activities. This information allowed detectives to secure a court order to seize these four additional vehicles. All four vehicles were located and towed to local tow storage yards where they will remain impounded for 30 days.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that participating in or being a spectator at a sideshow is illegal. These events are unsafe not only for those involved but for the general public. They will also get expensive. The registered owners of the vehicles stored are now looking at thousands of dollars in impound and tow fees for their participation in the sideshow.

Para ver los comunicados de prensa completos en español, visite https://mcso.countyofmonterey.gov/press-releases.

Source & photos: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office