Drivers Shocked After Photo Shoot Turns Into Police Impound

Los Angeles, CA — The Los Angeles Police Department’s Street Racing Task Force impounded 72 vehicles, mostly supercars and high-performance vehicles, during a surprise operation on Sunday at the LA River Channel near Cypress Park.

What was advertised on social media as a photo shoot quickly turned into a major police sting. Officers issued 83 loitering misdemeanors and arrested two individuals on felony charges for carrying concealed firearms in their vehicles.

Video footage circulating on social media showed dozens of luxury and modified cars lined up along the river channel before LAPD arrived. Aerial shots later captured the vehicles being loaded onto tow trucks.

Many drivers expressed shock and frustration, claiming they were unaware that entering the river channel was illegal.

“I wasn’t doing anything illegal. We weren’t doing anything stupid,” said Alexander Pimienta, whose motorcycle was impounded. “Some people are getting their cars held for 30 days. That’s around $3,000 to get them out.”

Another driver, Angel Rodriguez, whose Mustang was towed, said the event was supposed to be “just for pictures,” though he admitted some attendees “started going crazy.” He insisted most were there only for the photo shoot.

According to authorities, it is illegal to drive vehicles into the LA River channel because it is a designated flood control facility. The recreation zone does not include the river channel itself.

The length of the impoundments remains unclear, with some owners facing significant fees to retrieve their vehicles. LAPD has not yet released additional details on the operation.

This incident is the latest in a series of crackdowns on illegal street takeovers and unauthorized car meets across Southern California.