Video shows attempted Bay Bridge takeover as 3 Bay Area agencies team up to crack down on sideshows

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Bay Area law enforcement agencies say they are intensifying their crackdown on illegal sideshows, highlighting new collaboration across jurisdictions after a takeover on the Bay Bridge that led to multiple arrests and vehicle seizures.

More than 100 officers from Oakland police, San Francisco police and the California Highway Patrol took part in stopping a sideshow Sunday afternoon after tracking the group for hours.

Police said the group started in East Oakland, traveled into San Francisco and then turned back around.

Drone video released by Oakland Police Department shows traffic on the Bay Bridge come to a standstill for drivers as officers moved in.

One person jumped off the Bay Bridge into the water while trying to escape, others fled on foot.

RELATED: Multiple arrests, dozens of ATVs and dirt bikes recovered on Bay Bridge after takeover attempt

In total authorities arrested nine people and confiscated 77 ATVs and dirt bikes, but they say there's more to come.

"If you made it away yesterday, just expect a knock at your door," said interim Oakland Police Chief James Beere.

Beere said coordination between agencies allowed officers to intercept the group at the right moment.

"We were aided by both San Francisco Police Department, the California Highway Patrol. We found a spot, particularly at the bridge at the right time when all of our coordination efforts were in place," he said.

During a news conference Monday, leaders from all three agencies appeared together to underscore what they described as a regional, unified effort to stop illegal sideshows - something police say has historically been difficult because participants cross multiple jurisdictions.

"Collaboration and seamless communication between Oakland PD, San Francisco PD and the CHP has resulted in negating these jurisdictional gaps that have been an obstacle in years past," said California Highway Patrol Golden Gate Division Chief Steve Ramos.

They said the confiscated vehicles are worth at least $200,000.

MORE: Police stop attempted Bay Bridge takeover by 85 unruly cyclists, seizing their bikes

There is a system they must go through, but Beere said if it were up to him they'd all be destroyed.

"We know these takeovers are a regional problem, and we will continue to work in close collaboration with our local and state partners," said San Francisco police Officer Derrick Lew.

Police also highlighted earlier enforcement efforts aimed not just at riders, but organizers.

MORE: Camaro crashes into truck during chaotic Hayward sideshow; another car hits bystanders, video shows

Oakland police said two people were arrested Friday for promoting sideshows. "Leading up to this, we did arrest two promoters, that were at least trying to organize another sideshow prior to this one," Beere said.

"So it's not just the individual operators, it's also the organizers."

As for why only 9 were arrested police said public safety for residents, participants and officers remains the priority.

There are laws they have to abide by when it comes to chasing, but they said they have enough information to likely make more arrests.

"We're banding together, and we're going to address this issue, and we're going to hold people accountable for acting badly," Beere said.