SoCal Street Takeover Incident Results in Injuries, Arrest of Dodge Charger Driver
A reckless street takeover in Anaheim spiraled into chaos, injuring two young spectators and leading to felony charges against the driver.
Street Takeover Turns Violent in Anaheim
A street takeover in Anaheim, California, on November 1, 2024, escalated into a chaotic scene, leaving two spectators injured and the driver facing felony charges. The incident occurred at the intersection of State College Boulevard and Orangewood Avenue around 2 a.m., drawing hundreds of participants and onlookers. A Dodge Charger performing donuts lost control and struck two 19-year-old men. Witnesses reported multiple broken bones and lacerations among the victims, who were transported to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Following the collision, tensions erupted as the crowd attacked the Charger. Video evidence shows spectators kicking and vandalizing the vehicle before the driver fled the scene on foot. The abandoned car was left severely damaged in the intersection. Anaheim police quickly identified the suspect as 20-year-old Hassan Hamid Ali of Torrance. He was arrested three days later and charged with felony hit-and-run and felony exhibition of speed.
Street Takeover Crackdown Continues
Street takeovers, involving illegal gatherings where drivers perform dangerous stunts, pose a persistent problem in Anaheim despite a decline in incidents. The city introduced a law in 2021 targeting both participants and spectators, aiming to deter such events. According to police reports, the number of takeovers has dropped from approximately 1,700 incidents in 2020 to about 720 so far this year.
Community Assistance and Ongoing Investigation
The arrest of Ali was aided by tips from witnesses and bystanders, with the Anaheim Police Department urging anyone with additional footage to come forward. Sgt. Jacob Gallacher highlighted the challenges of addressing street takeovers but reaffirmed the city’s commitment to reducing their frequency and potential harm. Authorities encourage residents to contact local crime stoppers with any relevant information as investigations continue.
