Seven individuals have been arrested in San Jose for promoting and organizing illegal sideshows via social media, leading to significant public safety concerns and property damage.

🚨 The Arrests and Operation "Penalty Box"
The suspects, collectively known as "The Hockey Team," were apprehended as part of a coordinated effort called Operation Penalty Box. This operation targeted a group responsible for at least 22 sideshows in the South Bay area since 2020. The arrests followed a grand jury indictment on felony conspiracy charges, with one individual also facing a second-degree burglary charge.
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The arrested individuals are:

Elijah Moore (San Jose)
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Tyler Richardson (Oakland)
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Luis Hau (San Jose)
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Jasson Flores (San Jose)
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Irving Esparza (San Jose)
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Luis Ronquillo (Oakland)
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Jonathan Ramirez (San Jose)
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Two additional suspects, Rafael Gaytan (Sunnyvale) and Daniel Vazquez (Salinas), remain at large.
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📱 Social Media as a Tool for Sideshow Promotion
The group utilized Instagram to organize and publicize their illegal gatherings, creating flyers and recap videos to attract participants. Events often drew between 300 to 600 vehicles, leading to dangerous conditions and public disturbances.
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⚖️ Legal Consequences and Community Impact
The suspects face felony charges, with potential sentences up to five years and four months in state prison. One individual faces an additional burglary charge, increasing the maximum sentence to six years.
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The sideshows resulted in:
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Eight police vehicles damaged
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Two officers injured
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Six pedestrians struck and injured
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Dozens of firearms discharged and seized
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Property damage, including to San Jose State University's softball field
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These events also strained police resources, delaying responses to other emergencies.
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🛑 San Jose's Legal Measures Against Sideshow Promotion
In 2021, San Jose implemented an ordinance making it illegal to promote or participate in sideshows, with penalties including fines up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.
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📞 Reporting Information
Authorities encourage the public to report any information related to sideshow activities. Individuals with tips can contact the San Jose Police Department or submit anonymous reports through local crime tip lines.