More than 50 vehicles took over the streets of downtown Los Angeles early Saturday, several of which were on fire, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The video shows a car completely engulfed in flames parked in the middle of the intersection with thick black smoke rising from it, as other cars can be seen trying to drive around the flames.
The Los Angeles Police Department said authorities responded to the area near East 18th Street and Main Street and seized several vehicles after protesters intentionally set two cars on fire.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, firefighters received a call about a car fire around 3 a.m. and dispatched two fire engines, while Los Angeles Police Department officers were also dispatched to the scene to investigate.
No arrests were made, police said.
Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de Leon said what happened was unacceptable.
“It makes me angry because it puts other people at risk,” de Leon said.
That’s another reason why the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles Police Department have joined forces to form a task force to combat the hijackings. De Leon said more funding will be allocated to the task force next month.
“Street violence in Los Angeles, especially downtown, has actually decreased,” he said, “but it hasn’t stopped completely.”
Authorities did not release any other details.
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