The Bakersfield Police Department said additional citations are likely after two vehicles were impounded Friday for unsafe driving in the Mesa Marin Park area, with the investigation still ongoing.
Officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a large vehicle gathering and dangerous driving near Mesa Marin Park, Highway 178, and the City in the Hills neighborhood around 10:00 p.m. on Jan. 30, 2026.
When officers arrived, they found several hundred vehicles gathered in a parking lot, with some drivers engaging in unsafe and unlawful behavior.
Police said their response focused on public safety, dispersing the crowd, and carrying out a coordinated enforcement effort.
Two vehicles were impounded for reckless driving, and several others have been identified through on-scene observations and follow-up investigations.
Officers said more citations and vehicle impounds are expected as the investigation continues.
The Bakersfield Police Department acknowledged the concerns raised by residents in nearby neighborhoods and reaffirmed its commitment to addressing illegal street racing and takeover-style events, which present serious risks to public safety.
Residents are encouraged to report unsafe or illegal activity as soon as it occurs, as community-provided information plays a key role in effective police response.
The department said it will continue using a mix of visible enforcement and follow-up investigations to deter dangerous driving and help keep Bakersfield’s neighborhoods and roadways safe.