Sideshow shuts down Southwest Blvd., causes issues for locals in Westside KCMO

Kansas City receives an unexpected sideshow event

In a surprising turn of events, hundreds of people flocked to Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City, Missouri, for a two-hour spectacle of vehicular stunts on the night of June 10, 2024. The impromptu event involved individuals standing in the middle of the street while drivers conducted daring donut spins and drifting maneuvers around them.

Local businesses under duress

This adrenaline-fuelled event blindsided local businesses on Southwest Boulevard, one of the major thoroughfares on the Westside of Kansas City. According to Teresa Grado, owner of one such establishment, she was trying to close shop after a rewarding First Friday as the sideshow began. She recounted how she had to divert her attention to preventing youngsters from climbing onto her building’s roof to obtain a superior viewpoint of the displays.

Safety Concerns raised amidst fiery backdrop

In an unfortunate incident during the sideshow, a car burst into flames. Paradoxically, instead of retreating for safety, many onlookers started filming the occurrence with their smartphones.

Grado expressed her fear and concern over reckless behavior saying, “It’s not safe – a kid was ran over. Did his parents know that he was run over that night? I’m worried about the kids, and the kids only because everybody else is grown enough to make their own decisions.”

Kansas City Police department’s response to sideshow incidents

The Kansas Police Department (KCPD) was informed about the sideshow by concerned business owners just an hour after the spectacle commenced, and they managed to disperse the crowd shortly after. But this incident is just the latest in a series of similar disruptions that have been taking place in the city. To counter these, the KCPD has previously conducted successful operations targeted at ending these unpredictable and potentially hazardous events. For instance, on May 25, they towed away nine vehicles, made several arrests, and issued citations to people for street racing and spectating.

Cpt. Jake Becchina of the KCPD noted that there is a city ordinance against spectating. He further detailed that more than 20 officers, sergeants, detectives from KCPD’s traffic division participated in a coordinated effort to curb such activities and emphasized the department’s determined focus on the matter.

Consequences for violators

Violators of the ordinance can face more than just a citation. The potential penalties include arrest, towing of vehicles, and other legal ramifications. In the face of these severe consequences, everyone is encouraged to prioritize safety and uphold city law.

The aftermath of the sideshow & its impact on the community

Such sideshows may seem enticing and thrilling to some – a chance to engage in forbidden activities and potentially go viral online. However, their consequences have proven to be disruptive and hazardous. Local business owners have to deal with the fallout and face financial and potential physical damage, while the safety of spectators – especially children – becomes a concern. As Kansas City and its Police Department navigate this situation, all residents are urged to cooperate and prioritize their safety and the wellbeing of their community.