Two arrested after nearly 200 drivers take over Southern California parking lot
Two drivers were arrested after authorities say about 200 vehicles gathered in the parking lot of a closed business in San Bernardino over the weekend.
Deputies were in a patrol vehicle around 10:15 p.m. Saturday when they witnessed the large gathering in the area of Hospitality Lane and Tippecanoe Avenue, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department stated in a news release Monday.
The deputies then saw a driver in a silver BMW exit the parking lot at a high rate of speed and nearly run into a group of 10 to 15 pedestrians, the news release stated.
“The deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but encountered resistance from pedestrians who obstructed the patrol unit’s path,” the Sheriff’s Department stated.
Additional deputies were called in to assist in the investigation, which eventually led to the arrest of 25-year-old Riverside resident Diego Espinoza.
Woman dies after being stabbed in throat at Los Angeles Metro station
As more deputies arrived at the parking lot, another vehicle was seen accelerating quickly, causing its tires to lose traction with the ground.
The driver attempted to flee when deputies initiated a traffic stop but was apprehended after a brief pursuit, the Sheriff’s Department said.
That driver was identified as 18-year-old Francisco Trujillo of San Bernardino.
Espinoza was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving and Trujillo on suspicion of evading law enforcement. Both vehicles were impounded, the Sheriff’s Department said.
Harbor-UCLA surgeon fired after ogling patients’ genitals
Anyone with further information about the incident was asked to call the Sheriff’s Department at 909-366-4175. Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous can contact the We-Tip hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
