Five people lost their vehicles and three were arrested on Saturday as part of a joint task force involving the Manteca and Stockton Police Departments in an attempt to stamp out sideshow activity in San Joaquin County.

According to the Manteca Police Department, between 150 and 200 vehicles met in the parking lot of Grocery Outlet on East Yosemite Ave. Saturday night for a “sideshow” – where specially-modified vehicles spin donuts in the parking lot while large crowds gather around and cheer them on.

Law enforcement throughout California has made it a priority to end the dangerous practice after numerous incidents where onlookers have injured after the out-of-control vehicles slammed into crowds.

The team of Manteca and Stockton police officers made more than 60 traffic stops in connection with the event on Saturday and issued more than 35 citations in addition to towing five vehicles and arresting three people.

One man, 35-year-old Chayse Lee of Lathrop, was pulled over on the 200 block of Flores Avenue after leaving the scene when officers arrived. Police discovered a loaded Glock handgun on his person and arrested him on firearms-related charges. He is currently in custody at the San Joaquin County Jail on $150,000 bond.

The joint operation was carried out in conjunction with the San Joaquin County Sideshow Task Force – an effort between Manteca and Stockton Police Departments as well as the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office – to address the escalation of sideshow activity throughout the county.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.