TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Ten people were arrested for taking part in a “coordinated street takeover event” at a Tampa intersection on Saturday night, the Florida Highway Patrol announced.
The event was organized on social media and drew hundreds of people to an intersection, which was later shut down by the participants so they could do donuts, drift, and “other illegal and reckless driving activities,” FHP said.
Officials did not release the exact location.
Troopers, along with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, arrested the following suspects:
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Jakob Bryan, 20, Land O’Lakes
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Jakiya Burr, 24, Lake Wales
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Jaewon Foster, 29, Haines City
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Ethan Marton, 20, Holiday
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Marquis Pinkins, 29, Haines City
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Alex Rodriguez-Lazu, 20, Lakeland
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Ramon Santiago, 20, Lakeland
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Grant Watson, 18, Wesley Chapel
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A 17-year-old boy from Wesley Chapel
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A 17-year-old boy from Tampa
The 10 suspects are facing various charges ranging from unlawful racing on a highway to drug possession and fleeing to elude. Those arrested were taken to Orient Road Jail while the juveniles were taken to the Hillsborough County Juvenile Assessment Center.
In addition to the arrests, authorities also confiscated three guns and impounded four vehicles.
“Street racing and roadway takeovers are incredibly dangerous. They obstruct normal traffic flow and can prevent or deter emergency response, potentially putting lives at risk. Individuals taking part in events such as this can be charged with spectating, riding as a passenger, and, if driving, unlawful racing, in addition to many other charges regarding the reckless endangerment of others while they are behind the wheel,” FHP said in a statement.
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