'People are getting really tired of this': Looters ransack 7-Eleven after 'street takeover'; separate incident blocks drivers — some of whom had 'family emergencies'

A "street takeover" earlier spawned an "angry" mob of looters who ripped off and ransacked a 7-Eleven store, Los Angeles police said in a press release.

What are the details?

The street takeover occurred at the intersection of Figueroa Street and El Segundo Boulevard around 12:40 a.m. Monday, police said.

Motorists flooded the intersection, blocking traffic from all directions to create a “pit” in the middle of the intersection, police said.

During the street takeover, "spectators" exited their vehicles and watched as motorists recklessly did "donuts" — a maneuver in which a driver purposely loses tire traction while heading in circles while accelerating, police said.

Spectators then formed a "flash mob" of looters and rushed a nearby 7-Eleven, police said, adding that video surveillance showed looters vandalizing the store and grabbing for snacks, drinks, cigarettes, lotto tickets, and other merchandise, police said.

Image source: KTLA-TV video screenshot

“It turns into an angry, somewhat mob mentality,” LAPD Detective Ryan Moreno said during a Thursday news conference, according to KTLA-TV. “They come inside the store, they start ransacking the place, taking everything.”

The store clerk was working alone that night, and police said he feared for his life. One man allegedly threw items at the clerk, which led to a “violent encounter” between the two, Moreno said.

Looters then exited the store to surrounding parking lots and streets and quickly dispersed before police arrived, police said.

Image source: KTLA-TV video screenshot

Officers obtained surveillance video of the looters to identify and arrest individuals involved, police said.

Second street takeover

Another street takeover occurred along the 110 Freeway the same night, police told KTLA.

“There were people on the freeway that were trying really to get to places they had to go; some had family emergencies, and they’re just sitting there stuck so these guys can do their thing,” Moreno said, according to the station. “People are getting really tired of this.”

Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying those involved in the incidents, KTLA said, and are encouraging anonymous tips. The station said anyone with information about the incidents can contact South Traffic Division detectives at 323-421-2500 or email STDdetectives@lapd.online; those wishing to remain anonymous can call CrimeStoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).