The Bay Area was once again plunged into chaos as a series of sideshows unfolded, leaving authorities struggling to maintain control. In the early hours of Sunday, more than 150 vehicles took over the Bay Bridge, transforming it into a dangerous playground for reckless drivers. Simultaneously, multiple sideshows in Vallejo drew hundreds of spectators, resulting in a car being set ablaze.
Last week’s incidents foreshadowed the escalating situation. In Oakland, a sideshow near Lake Merritt turned into a mass shooting, leaving 15 people injured, potentially marking the largest such incident in the city’s history. San Jose witnessed a sideshow that led to a vehicle striking a spectator and attendees attacking a responding officer’s car. Redwood City also experienced a sideshow that attracted a large crowd and resulted in two arrests.
The sideshow on the Bay Bridge reached its peak just before 2 a.m. on Sunday, completely blocking eastbound lanes. Videos posted on social media showed cars performing doughnuts while illegal fireworks illuminated the sky. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) from San Francisco, Oakland, and other local divisions responded to the scene, but their efforts were hindered by heavy traffic and stopped vehicles, delaying their arrival.
Even the CHP helicopter dispatched to the area faced challenges, as laser beams were directed at it from the crowd below. The sideshow eventually dispersed around 2:21 a.m., and CHP made several enforcement stops as vehicles exited the bridge. One stop led to a vehicle pursuit, which ended with officers deploying spike strips to forcibly halt the car. The occupants were subsequently taken into custody. Additionally, a suspect involved in a hit and run related to the sideshow was arrested, and an abandoned vehicle believed to have participated in the event was towed.
Meanwhile, in Vallejo, police were unable to respond to a sideshow due to the simultaneous occurrence of four people being shot. The incidents unfolded around the same time, adding to the chaos and further straining law enforcement resources.
Authorities have vowed to continue investigating the sideshows and take appropriate enforcement actions against those involved. The situation remains a grave concern, as these events pose a significant risk to public safety and have the potential to escalate further.
