ORLANDO, Fla. – Law enforcement officials said they successfully conducted a “Street Takeover Enforcement Operation” in Orlando that led to over 500 citations and four arrests, according to a news release.
The Florida Highway Patrol said that on Feb. 15, they worked with Orlando police and Orange County deputies to address the “increasing threat posed by street takeover activities.”
According to the release, law enforcement from the three agencies responded to multiple locations where street takeover events were happening.
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Ultimately, officials said they focused on a parking lot at 12981 South Orange Blossom Trail using aerial units, unmarked vehicles, K-9 teams and marked vehicles.
According to the release, 515 traffic citations were issued, of which 477 were spectator violations. In addition, “multiple physical arrests” were made, including four felony charges and four misdemeanor charges. Four vehicles were also seized or impounded, and one stolen vehicle was recovered.
“The success of this operation helped mitigate immediate risks and demonstrated a strong, proactive stance against such criminal activities, reinforcing the commitment of state and local law enforcement agencies to work together in protecting the safety and well-being of the public,” the release reads in part.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina threw his public support behind a bill last year that stiffened penalties for street racing. The bill was signed into law last spring.
He told News 6 that he believes the harsher penalties are working, though the street takeovers still pose a major risk.
“What makes (these gatherings) so dangerous is the high speed and the reckless behavior of the drivers,” Mina explained. “When you’re doing donuts in an intersectin and your car is sliding all over the place, you’re losing control. Eventually, someone’s going to get hit and killed.”
Officials ask that if you encounter street racing, stunt driving, or a roadway takeover while on the road, please follow these guidelines:
- Remain calm
- Do not engage
- If possible, safely pull over to the side of the road
- Report the incident by calling *FHP (*347) or 911, and you will be connected to the nearest dispatch center
Anyone with information about a street takeover event is urged to email StopRacing@flhsmv.gov with any relevant screenshots or documentation.
