Flash Mob From LA Street Takeover Storms, Ransacks 7-Eleven Store [Video]

A group of people who were part of a flash mob ransacked a 7-Eleven store in Los Angeles, authorities have said. The shocking incident was captured on video.

The flash mob was a result of a street takeover that began at the intersection of Figueroa Street and El Segundo Boulevard at around 12:40 a.m. on Aug. 15, the New York Post reported.

Drivers swarmed in from all sides and obstructed traffic with their cars to create a "pit" in the middle of the crossroads, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said in a news release.

Onlookers got out of their cars during the event and observed as drivers drifted carelessly put a show of doing donuts, WAVE 3 News reported. The trick involves driving in a circle while accelerating and purposefully decreasing tire traction.

The onlookers then turned into a mob of looters and stormed the neighboring 7-Eleven store located on the northwest corner of Figueroa Street and El Segundo Boulevard.

In a video LAPD uploaded on Twitter, one can see the nonchalant looters carelessly grabbing everything that's available. Another group can be seen making its way behind the counter that was vacated by the staff. The rude bunch then begins hurling items off the shelf across the counter to another group of people on the other side.

The looters reportedly took a variety of items from the store, including snacks, drinks, cigarettes and lottery tickets. They swiftly left the establishment and fled the area before authorities arrived.

Cash registers were also wrecked, but it's unconfirmed if any cash was stolen.

Authorities said the store clerk, who was working alone at the time of the incident, was afraid for his life. A man allegedly threw items at him, sparking a "violent encounter," LAPD detective Ryan Moreno told KTLA News.

Detectives from the Southeast and South Traffic Divisions of the LAPD are now looking into the street takeover that led to the flash mob.

LAPD noted in its news release that though the term "flash mob" was originally associated with "a large public gathering at which people perform an unusual or seemingly random act and then disperse, typically organized by means of the internet or social media," recent flash mobs have evolved to "opportunistic criminal occurrence."

The streets on 110 Freeway were also blocked on the same night, Moreno added. Authorities are now asking the public to help them identify the miscreants.

Those who wish to come forward may get in touch with South Traffic Division detectives at 323-421-2500 or STDdetectives@lapd.online. People who want to remain anonymous can contact CrimeStoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).