Multiple arrests, dozens of ATVs and dirt bikes recovered on Bay Bridge after takeover attempt

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Bay Area law enforcement seized more than 70 ATVs and dirt bikes on the Bay Bridge on Sunday as officers moved to stop what authorities described as sideshow-related activity.

This was the second time in less than 40 days that officers have gone after those riding dirt bikes or bicycles illegally, and those believed to have been involved in street takeovers.

MORE: Police stop attempted Bay Bridge takeover by 85 unruly cyclists, seizing their bikes

ABC7 Eyewitness News video shows the dozens of ATVs and dirt bikes recovered by Oakland police and in the process of being towed away when we arrived. Officers say the bikes were involved in multiple sideshow-related or takeover incidents and that multiple people were arrested.

None of the bikes seen had a license plate on them, meaning they were illegal to ride on public roads and highways.

The incident led to major traffic disruptions on the bridge. At one point Sunday afternoon, all eastbound lanes were shut down as officers pursued riders, bringing traffic leaving San Francisco to a standstill and slowing vehicles headed into the city.

Witnesses say there were dozens of San Francisco police, Oakland police, and California Highway Patrol officers.

MORE: Camaro crashes into truck during chaotic Hayward sideshow; another car hits bystanders, video shows

Oakland police released pictures of the bikes that were recovered, saying multiple arrests were made.

The Oakland Fire Department confirmed it rescued one suspect after that person jumped into the Bay and attempted to swim away.

In a previous incident on March 29, CHP and SFPD teamed up to block bicycles from getting onto the Bay Bridge. In that case, 85 people were detained and 85 bicycles seized.