Skateboarders run 'Wild in the Streets' of LA

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A skateboarding event Tuesday called "Wild in the Streets" turned out just that way when skateboarders clashed with Los Angeles police in the Westlake District.

Hundreds of skateboarders descended on downtown Los Angeles to take part in "Go Skateboarding Day." The annual event was scheduled to have skateboarders cross the city from Hollenbeck Park to Venice Beach's skate park.

Skateboarders blocked streets, congested traffic and hung onto cars.

Dozens of citations were issued. Some of the skaters were handcuffed, but there were no arrests made and no vandalism was reported.

"There were a couple of things that they did that was not smart," said Tom Chamberlain, an officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. "We got more proactive in regards to citing them up for the violations because skateboarders, unlike bicyclists, do not have rules of the road obligations, so it's really important to make sure that they adhere to the laws."

About 60 officers and a police helicopter watched over the skaters.

"The point is it's our day, to roam the streets and do what we want," said one skater.

The event was to benefit a non-profit that provides skateboards to children who can't afford them.

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downtown, los angeles news, rudabeh shahbazi

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