CARLSBAD, Calif. (KGTV) - In scenes straight out of the "Fast & Furious" movies, hundreds of car enthusiasts ripped up the parking lots at two North County malls overnight.
10News learned nearly 2,000 cars from an unknown car club showed up from the Los Angeles area made their way to Westfield North County Mall in Escondido just after 11 p.m. Tuesday.
The large number of vehicles caused a major traffic jam on Interstate 15 in the area and prompted the California Highway Patrol to shut down the Via Rancho Parkway off-ramps.
RELATED: Hundreds of car lovers descend on Escondido
Authorities arrived at the mall and told everyone to leave, but the group then traveled westbound on state Route 78 to The Shoppes in Carlsbad on 2525 El Camino Real.
At that mall's parking lot, many of the cars did donuts that caused huge clouds of smoke. Other group members launched drones to capture the event or set off fireworks.
Authorities got to the mall and ordered everyone to leave the area.
No injuries were reported at either location, and there is no immediate word on any possible damage caused by the car club members.
Several club members told 10News they meet at various locations like malls every year and spread the word via social media.
10News learned the San Diego meetups were part of events known as "Krispy Kreme Tuesdays" organized by a car enthusiast club.
Legal street racing in San Diego
The city of San Diego sponsors a program that allows those interested in street racing culture to take part in a "safer, controlled racing environment at Qualcomm Stadium."
The RaceLegal.com program was formed to inform the public about the dangers of illegal street racing activity and how to help reduce the number of deaths/injuries associated with it.
For more information, including organized race schedules, visit http://racelegal.com/important-information.
