Social Media Figures Arrested In San Diego Street Racing Crackdown

SAN DIEGO, CA — Two men with large social media followings were arrested after San Diego police and California Highway Patrol investigators linked them to illegal street racing and sideshows promoted online, authorities said Wednesday.

The joint enforcement operation took place Saturday as investigators tracked a group that was using social media to coordinate sideshow takeovers at several locations across San Diego, according to the San Diego Police Department.

The sideshow takeovers took place at multiple intersections, including Scripps Ranch Court and Scripps Ranch Boulevard, Clairemont Mesa and Antigua boulevards, Otay Mesa Road and Ocean View Hills Parkway, and Tonawanda and Reo drives.

Joshua David Ruiz, 18, was arrested after officers saw him participating in a sideshow at Scripps Ranch Court and Scripps Ranch Boulevard while driving a rented U-Haul pickup, according to police. Investigators estimated the activity caused about $5,153 in damage.

Ruiz was booked into San Diego County Central Jail on suspicion of felony vandalism, exhibition of speed and reckless driving.

Police said Ruiz had come to the attention of investigators through social media posts showing him participating in sideshows, speed contests and dangerous driving on San Diego-area freeways and streets.

Jesus Arias-Ruiz Jr., 27, also was observed participating in the Scripps Ranch sideshow while driving a blue BMW M4, police said. Investigators said he was known for promoting and hosting illicit vehicle gatherings throughout the city.

Investigators determined Arias-Ruiz's participation also contributed to intentional damage to the roadway, with estimated repairs costing about $5,153, police said.

When officers tried to stop Arias-Ruiz, he fled at speeds of more than 100 mph, at one point turning off his vehicle's lights while driving on Interstate 15 and surface streets, police said.

Officers ended the ground pursuit for safety reasons while a San Diego police helicopter continued monitoring the vehicle.

Arias-Ruiz was arrested Monday with assistance from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He was booked into San Diego County Central Jail on suspicion of felony evading, felony vandalism, parole violation, exhibition of speed and reckless driving.

The operation also resulted in two DUI arrests, four misdemeanor citations, four crime cases, five hazardous-moving-violation citations, seven equipment-violation citations and two vehicle impounds.

Additional investigations stemming from the operation remain ongoing, police said.