Police in Langley, B.C., say they had to use pepper spray and a Taser as they dealt with an “unruly” crowd of young people at an illegal street racing event in the city Friday night.
Langley RCMP say an officer responding to a call on Gloucester Way arrived to find a crowd of around 200 young people allegedly in the area to “participate in illegal street racing and stunting.”
Mounties say the officer wrote violation tickets and was having a vehicle towed when the crowd allegedly “became unruly.” Police allege a 16-year-old male tried to obstruct the officer, who had also called for backup.
Police say officers had to use a Taser on the teen, and that a group of young people then allegedly tried to interfere with his arrest, leading to officers using pepper spray to disperse the crowd.
They say people in the crowd managed to free the suspect from a police vehicle, but he was later found by a police dog, and is now up on charges for allegedly assaulting an officer.
Township of Langley Mayor Eric Woodward said street racing remains a persistent issue in the community and called the incident “very unfortunate.”
“No RCMP officer should be interfered with or obstructed in this manner,” he wrote in a statement to CBC News. “We support the RCMP in their ongoing efforts to address it.”
The mayor added that the township initiated traffic calming measures in Gloucester Industrial Estates last September to address the problem, which he says endangers truckers and workers operating overnight.
Supt. Harm Dosange, who heads the Langley RCMP detachment, says the altercation was “deeply troubling” and that there will be more police patrols and traffic enforcement in the area because street racers pose a “significant risk” to the public and police.
Langley RCMP had their hands full over the weekend as they were called to break up an ‘unruly’ crowd of 200 young people at an illegal street racing event.
The event, which took place in a secluded area of Langley, quickly spiraled out of control as participants began engaging in dangerous stunts and driving recklessly. Concerned residents in the area notified authorities, prompting a swift response from the RCMP.
Upon arrival, officers were met with resistance from the crowd, who refused to disperse and continued their reckless behavior. Police were forced to use pepper spray and physical force to break up the gathering and restore order.
Several individuals were arrested for various offenses, including reckless driving and public intoxication. The RCMP has issued a warning to anyone considering participating in illegal street racing events, emphasizing the dangers posed to both participants and the public.
Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities and to avoid engaging in or attending illegal street racing events. The safety of the community is paramount, and the RCMP will continue to take swift action to ensure the well-being of all residents.
Tags:
- Langley RCMP
- unruly crowd
- illegal street racing
- young people
- RCMP intervention
- Langley police
- street racing event
- crowd control
- public safety
- law enforcement intervention
#Langley #RCMP #break #unruly #crowd #young #people #illegal #street #racing #event