Doughnuts, both the sugary sort and the kind eaten in a car, come to mind. However, if you’re watching your cholesterol, the first one is only okay as a once-in-a-while treat, and the second, if done recklessly, will not go over well with the cops. A spectacle drew the attention of the local police force this week in Antioch, California, with reports of a white Camaro performing doughnuts, losing control, and colliding into a light pole.
Officers arrived in the early hours of January 11 to find the smashed-up Chevrolet in bad shape after a drifting technique gone poorly. The Camaro is seen speeding around in circles before crashing into the pole, rendering the vehicle undriveable. The driver appeared to be unharmed, since the Antioch Police Department said that he attempted to flee on foot. He didn’t get very far before being captured and charged with dangerous driving. The suspect was also given a 30-day hold on his Camaro as a consolation “reward” for his failed stunt. He had no intention of driving it anyplace in that state.
“Sideshows continue to be a huge issue in the greater Bay Area and law enforcement remains committed to using the full extent of the law to stop people involved in such activity,” the Antioch Police Department posted to its Facebook page. “In addition to having your vehicle towed, any driver participating in a sideshow can have their driver’s license suspended up to 6 months and be subject to arrest.”
Controlling street racing and sideshows like these will continue to be difficult because some people will make terrible decisions. It’s a lot better idea for enthusiasts to find a nearby track or skid pad to get their kicks than of doing stunts like this in a public area where pedestrians or other vehicles could be put in risk. The cops aren’t kidding around, and while this event didn’t draw the same level of attention (five patrol cars and a helicopter) as a 21-year-old man flaunting his wealth in a nearby neighbourhood two years ago, it certainly grabbed attention.
The local police had the last word, making the point with a light-hearted dessert reference:
“Make better donut selections please, perhaps something with sprinkles.”
And hey, some officers have been known to secretly enjoy a donut or two themselves.