Around 300 people and up to 150 cars were at the scene in Sacramento, the California Highway Patrol said. One driver was arrested after they crashed into a patrol car while attempting to flee.
The driver, Christian Alvarado Michaca, aged 18, from Santa Rosa, was taken into custody and booked into the Sacramento County Jail for felony evading.
Two juvenile passengers, aged 16 and 17, were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The officer of the patrol vehicle that was stuck sustained no injuries.
“On April 12, 2020, at approximately 6:05 pm, the South Sacramento Area was notified of a large sideshow occurring on Florin Road at Palmer House Drive in unincorporated Sacramento County,” officers wrote in a Facebook post.
“Multiple units responded and upon arriving on scene it was determined that approximately 100-150 vehicles and approximately 300 people were on scene. While attempting to stop the sideshow activity, a black Chevy Camaro attempted to evade capture from a CHP unit and fled the scene westbound on Florin Road.”
They continued: “A separate CHP unit was responding to assist and was presented with the evading vehicle approaching head on with his patrol vehicle. The officer turned left and stopped as the Chevy approached his location.
“The driver of the Chevy struck the right rear of the patrol vehicle. The Chevy lost its right front tire in the process and stopped west of the collision scene.”
Large gatherings are banned across the U.S. as part of the lockdown rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
California issued a stay-at-home order on March 19, closing all non-essential businesses, such as dine-in restaurants, bars and nightclubs, and asking residents to remain inside apart from accessing essential items or services.
The order is enforceable by law, with anyone found not following the guidelines risking a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in prison, or both.
According to Johns Hopkins University, California has more than 24,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and more than 700 deaths.
“The California Highway Patrol would like to remind everyone that sideshows are not only illegal, they are extremely dangerous,” California Highway Patrol added. “When you mix thousands of pounds of vehicle with speed, it takes only a second for a tragedy to occur-endangering life, risking injury, and causing property damage.”
Clean hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rub. Wash hands after coughing or sneezing; when caring for the sick; before, during and after food preparation; before eating; after using the toilet; when hands are visibly dirty; and after handling animals or waste. Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your hands, nose and mouth. Do not spit in public. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue immediately and clean your hands.
Medical advice
Avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms. Stay at home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and runny nose, to avoid potential spread of the disease to medical facilities and other people. If you develop serious symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) seek medical care early and contact local health authorities in advance. Note any recent contact with others and travel details to provide to authorities who can trace and prevent spread of the disease. Stay up to date on COVID-19 developments issued by health authorities and follow their guidance.
Mask and glove usage
Healthy individuals only need to wear a mask if taking care of a sick person. Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing. Masks are effective when used in combination with frequent hand cleaning. Do not touch the mask while wearing it. Clean hands if you touch the mask. Learn how to properly put on, remove and dispose of masks. Clean hands after disposing of the mask. Do not reuse single-use masks. Regularly washing bare hands is more effective against catching COVID-19 than wearing rubber gloves. The COVID-19 virus can still be picked up on rubber gloves and transmitted by touching your face.
