Six arrested during weekend 'sideshow' in Vallejo
Two vehicles were also impounded, a police spokesperson said.
(Still frame courtesy Vallejo Police Department; Graphic by Solano NewsNet)
Police in Vallejo arrested six individuals on felony charges during a large exhibition of sports vehicles in the city on Saturday.
The police department says it started receiving emergency calls late Saturday evening of two sideshows that were forming — the first along Tennessee Street and Maple Avenue, and the second near the intersection of Lemon Street and Sonoma Boulevard.
“Officers arrived to find more than 100 people blocking an intersection to watch cars spinning donuts,” a police spokesperson said in a press release issued on Monday. “The crowd immediately threw objects at the six officers and sergeant that responded, and refused to disperse.”
A window on a responding police vehicle was busted out, and one of the sideshow cars “committed a hit-and-run while fleeing from officers,” the police department said.
“We cannot tolerate this lawlessness in our city,” Shawny Williams, the city’s chief of police, said in a statement. “Sideshows can cause serious injury and can be deadly. Blocking intersections prevents our citizens from traveling safely, and diverts our precious resources from helping other people in need.”
Police said six individuals were arrested. They were named as:
Eric Cacho, 26, Sacramento
Devon Dipinto, 22, Sacramento
Cesar Dominguez, 26, Sacramento
Angelo Landford, 21, Fairfield
Payton Pinkela, 19, Fairfield
Mario Velasco, 24, Sacramento
All six individuals were arrested on a variety of charges, including hit-and-run, evading police, participating or aiding and abetting in a sideshow, driving recklessly and conspiracy. Some of those charges are felonies, the police department said.
In addition to the arrests, two vehicles connected to the sideshow were impounded by officers, a police department spokesperson confirmed to Solano NewsNet on Monday. Those vehicles will be impounded for at least 30 days, the spokesperson affirmed.
“Common regard for our fellow community members should be a top priority for a city already in distress,” Williams said in a statement. “It is disheartening that participants and spectators alike lack such regard.”
Police in Vallejo have had a difficult time thwarting and responding to sideshows that have gathered over the last few months. The police department recently went public with a request to obtain new technology, including license plate readers, that the agency said would help officers respond to and investigate a variety of crimes, including sideshows.
Connect with Solano NewsNet on Twitter and Facebook for breaking news updates.
We’re proud to produce independent news for Solano County. This newsletter is an all-volunteer effort. If you would like to show your appreciation, consider making a donation in any amount or signing up for a paid subscription.