44 people were arrested, 209 were cited and 54 vehicles were towed in a massive street racing raid in South Los Angeles earlier this morning.
Lt. Jodi Hutak of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told KTLA
“We have problems with these racers coming out,” Hutak said. “They have high-end cars with modifications, they drive fast, often they're under the influence of alcohol, and the increase in fatalities and traffic collisions is on the increase.”
Over 100 officers from the joint anti street racing task force swarmed the intersection of Imperial Highway and Broadway around midnight, boxing in the racers and spectators. The California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles County Sheriff, along with the Hawthorne and Inglewood police departments all took part in the operation.
Many of those issued citations were spectators who under California law can face the same penalties as drivers in the illegal street race. Including up to three months in jail and a $1,000 fine and the loss of their drivers license.
With the fate of the last public race track in Los Angeles County, Irwindale Speedway, closing one has to ask where the police and city leaders expect the automotive community to turn. Read about Irwindale's pending closure HERE.
Watch the report on KTLA
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