Possible Street Racers Cause Pileup In Woodland Hills, Shut Down Ventura

WOODLAND HILLS (CBSLA.com) – Police are investigating whether a pair of street racers caused a four-vehicle chain reaction crash that shut down Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills during rush hour.

The crash occurred before 4:20 p.m. Tuesday on Ventura Boulevard near Premiere Hills Circle. Witnesses told Los Angeles police that two of the involved cars appeared to be racing at high speeds when the crash occurred. No one suffered major injuries.

Police said they obtained video that appeared to confirm the street racing claim. However, the two drivers, who are friends, told CBS2 the allegations were false.

"It was bad, but we did not go 80 miles per hour, nowhere close...and just 'cause my car looks like it's a fast car, that's why they're saying that," Malik Whitfield said.

"I'm with my girlfriend, I'm never going to drive like that crazy in the car with her, to put her in that type of danger," Jordan Pope said.

Ventura Boulevard was shut down between Winnetka Avenue and Reseda Boulevard while officers investigated.

Police impounded the two sports cars. The investigation will be turned over to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office.