Full Breakdown
LAPD Bust Stops Massive Minibike Takeover on Downtown’s 6th Street Bridge
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On a Sunday in September 2026, more than 70 riders—many minors—gathered on Los Angeles’s 6th Street Bridge to perform donuts, wheelies and other stunts on unauthorized minibikes and pocket bikes. LAPD Street Racing Task Force officers, assisted by the California Highway Patrol and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, surrounded the bridge, arrested participants, cited them for illegal bike riding, and impounded the bikes and two vehicles. The bridge reopened to traffic by mid-afternoon.
Background & Context
Minibikes and pocket bikes are prohibited on California streets and sidewalks because they do not meet Department of Motor Vehicles safety standards. The LAPD has warned that such “street takeovers” endanger riders, motorists and pedestrians. Earlier in the week the department issued over 500 citations at a separate takeover elsewhere in the city.
Data & Statistics
- Participants: “more than 70” riders; LAPD later estimated about 70 received citations.
- Citations: LAPD announced 78 misdemeanor citations; other outlets reported “about 70.”
- Impounded bikes: 78 minibikes and pocket bikes seized, with two additional vehicles held for up to 30 days.
- Bridge closure: the bridge remained blocked until approximately 4:15 p.m. that day.
Official Statements & Responses
LAPD officials said the operation aimed to protect underage participants who may not grasp the dangers of riding on active roadways. Sgt. Robert Leary explained that intelligence about a planned takeover prompted the task force to “block them in,” describing the tactic as the only viable way to address the problem. Mayor Karen Bass praised the police effort, calling the activity “deadly” and urging the LAPD to educate families about the hazards.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Citation count: LAPD statements cite 78 riders, while ABC 7 and NBC Los Angeles describe “about 70” citations.
- Bike count: The Los Angeles Times reports 78 minibikes impounded; ABC 7 references “about 70” bikes seized.
- Legal basis: Participants request a specific citation of California Vehicle Code §21720, but the statute’s text is not reproduced in coverage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We got intel that there was going to be a takeover on the 6th Street Bridge with e-bikes and minibikes,” — Sgt. Robert Leary
- “We got a team together so we could ... block them in. It’s really the only way we could combat this problem.” — Sgt. Robert Leary
- “Officers contacted parents and guardians, explained the risks, and ensured every young person left the area without injury,” — German Hurtado, LAPD deputy chief
- “I’m not OK with the officers doing what they did, but I’m OK with us riding together and keeping our kids safe.” — Marvin Deleon
What’s Next
The LAPD indicated the operation is part of an ongoing effort to curb illegal street takeovers, but no specific future enforcement dates or policy changes were announced. Mayor Bass’s statement suggests continued public-education outreach to parents, though concrete plans were not detailed.