Authorities say Oakland sideshow could net more arrests
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- New details have emerged from the Oakland sideshow that police and California Highway Patrol officers quickly broke it up. They're talking about why the bust was so significant.
Dozens or so cars were impounded by the CHP from the big sideshow at the port of Oakland Wednesday. One towed car that was destroyed by fire was to taken a pick and pull.
"A stolen vehicle in the crowd was lit on fire while officers were moving into the crowd," CHP assistant chief Paul Fontana said.
The CHP believes there may have been firearms inside, which fueled the flames. Officers singled out the driver and detained him.
Footage from SKY7 HD showed roughly 200 people at the Port of Oakland. Cars were doing donuts and other dangerous stunts with spectators just a few feet away. Officers observed at least one vehicle lose control and come very close to colliding with onlookers.
PHOTOS: Hundreds of cars detained after sideshow at Port of Oakland
There was also a huge CHP presence mobilized initially for another night of protests against the grand jury decision in Ferguson. Officers received a tip that a sideshow would occur later in the night.
When it happened, the CHP's Special Response Team rushed onto the port and sealed the highway. Some in the crowd began throwing rocks and bottles. After hearing gunfire, the CHP took action.
As they surrounded the sideshow, a dozen drivers tried unsuccessfully to escape. A red van tried to make a run for it by smashing through a chain link fence. It got stuck on the tracks.
People rushed out of the van with small children.
SKY7 HD wasn't the only chopper in the air taking pictures. The CHP also had their helicopter doing the same thing.
"We interviewed everyone that was there, so we know who was driving what cars," CHP spokesman Sean Wilkenfeld said. "We're going to use video form our aircraft and link that to push charges at a later date."
This is all that remains of Wednesday's sideshow. But the CHP says to stay tuned. There are warrants and arrests to come.
