Law enforcement officers, responding to complaints from residents about illegal street takeovers in the community of De Luz west of Temecula, impounded four cars and wrote 11 citations after busting up a recent sideshow. An infant was a passenger in one of the cars, the California Highway Patrol said.

The residents said the reckless driving, including spinouts and cars doing doughnuts, has been happening for weeks, particularly on weekend nights, according to a CHP news release.

So the CHP and Riverside County Sheriffs Department teamed up to conduct surveillance on Nov. 8. Around 11:15 p.m., they moved in when a large group of motorists arrived. The 12 drivers and spectators were detained, the release said.

All were ages 17 to 24 years old.

Citation charges included exhibition of speed, reckless driving, driving unlicensed, child endangerment because of the infant in one car, being an underage person in possession of alcohol, having modified emissions systems and excessive exhaust noise.

The CHP would like to remind the motoring public that sideshows often involving street racing, car stunts,and large crowds may seem exciting, but they pose serious risks to participants, bystanders, and communities. These events typically lack the safety precautions of regulated environments, leading toaccidents, injuries, and even fatalities, the release said.