In 2023, Eduardo Erik Martínez drove onto the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles. A row of drivers slammed on their brakes near the 9th Street exit, stopping traffic completely. Then other drivers began doing donuts in front of the parked cars. While the traffic jam behind them grew, Martínez set up cameras and filmed a music video.

Authorities say the stunt crossed a legal line

District Attorney Nathan Hochman of Los Angeles County, Calif., has said, “If you choose to treat our streets like your own personal playground, you will find yourself in a criminal courtroom.” So it’s no surprise that authorities later arrested Martínez. He faces felony charges of conspiring to commit an exhibition of speed. They identified him through video evidence.

In late November 2025, Martínez appeared in court and pleaded not guilty. Maybe he’s hoping the judge won’t check his YouTube.

“Street takeovers” occur when groups of drivers stop traffic to attempt dangerous stunts. The goal is often social media attention. But the byproduct can be accidents that injure innocent bystanders. Hochman calls the trend “incredibly reckless behavior, all in search of a ‘viral moment’ on social media.” California seems more than ready to use Martínez as an example.