Father Criticizes Police After Daughter, 13, Ticketed During Minibike Street Takeover

A father in Los Angeles has voiced his disapproval of police actions after his 13-year-old daughter was ticketed for illegally riding a minibike during a large street event. Marvin Deleon was among more than 70 individuals cited on Sunday afternoon for participating in what police described as a street takeover involving minibikes on the 6th Street Bridge.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the riders were observed blocking the bridge, performing stunts like donuts and wheelies, riding on the wrong side of the road, and weaving through traffic. Footage from the event showed a significant police presence boxing in riders, impounding bikes, and taking some individuals into custody.

Deleon, however, contested the police's characterization of the event, referring to it as a "rideout" rather than a takeover. He argued that his daughter and others were simply riding and not committing crimes. "It's illegal what they're doing to these kids. All they did was ride, they didn't do no crime and nobody ran. There's no reason for that," Deleon stated.

A reporter present at the scene informed Deleon that riding minibikes on public streets is illegal in Los Angeles, with such vehicles only permitted on private property. Deleon questioned the reporter, demanding proof of the law.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed disappointment with parents who participated in the event, emphasizing the dangers involved for riders, drivers, spectators, and bystanders. The LAPD's Street Racing Task Force was involved in the operation.

Deleon maintained that he was with his daughter throughout the ride and believed their activity was safe and legal as long as they were together and not impeding traffic. "As long as we ride together with them as a parent, it shouldn’t be a crime, and it shouldn’t be illegal for my daughter to be riding right next to her dad, riding and enjoying her minibike," he said.

However, police officials clarified that accompanying adults do not legitimize illegal riding for minors. In Los Angeles, minibikes are prohibited on public streets, sidewalks, and parks due to their lack of required safety features like headlights and mirrors. Riders, ranging in age from 13 to 50, were cited under California Vehicle Code Section 21720. Deleon and his daughter had their minibikes impounded.

Leilani recounted her experience, stating, "They zippy tied my wrists, and I have scars and all that, and they just kept us there. They blocked us in. We weren’t planning on to run or anything, we were just there."

The LAPD emphasized that the operation's primary goal was public safety and education, aiming to prevent potential tragedies. Deputy Chief German Hurtado stated that officers had been monitoring the group known for illegal minibike riding and initiated the stop when they could safely apprehend a large number of participants and impound the vehicles. The department warned that minibikes are not designed for street use, are highly visible, and unstable, posing significant risks of serious injury.

"This enforcement is about public safety, education and prevention," the department said in a statement. "We want young people and parents to understand that these bikes cannot lawfully be operated on public roadways and that dangerous riding behavior can have devastating and sometime tragic consequences."

This incident followed a separate street takeover last week where LAPD officers issued over 500 citations. Mayor Bass commended the police for their swift action in addressing the situation and working to prevent future occurrences.