7 Atlanta street racing suspects arrested, more arrests on the way, police say
ATLANTA - The Atlanta Police Department held a press conference Sunday afternoon to address illegal street racing in the city.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said the department would continue cracking down on disruptors who either engage in street racing with their cars, bodies or by recording the activities.
"You don't have to be in a car to be charged," Schierbaum stated. "If you use your vehicle or your body to block the intersection, block the parking lot, or you film in a manner that you're facilitating the notoriety and the promotion of the event."
He added that even posting about the event on social media or inviting other people to join in is considered a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to a year in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Schierbaum said late Saturday night, three people were arrested for promoting or organizing a street racing event Saturday night: Treyon Izell Hamilton-Coleman, Jaquez Antonio Smith, and Tyrik Ponder. There's a warrant out for the arrest of Montrez Nasir Carter. None of them live within the City of Atlanta.
Police said multiple others were arrested for various crimes in connection to four street racing incidents throughout the city Saturday night.
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"Those that are thinking about organizing their next event inside of Atlanta, Georgia they're going to meet us they're going to meet us with a warrant and they're going to meet Sheriff Labat in the Fulton County Jail," the chief said. "A brief moment of notoriety behind the city skyline is gonna lead to an arrest and I think that's why everybody loves Atlanta, Georgia. But this is not the place to do this."
Major Ralph Wolfork, the Atlanta Police Acting Commander of Criminal Investigations, said anyone who sees vehicles entering into the City of Atlanta at high rates of speed should contact 911.
"We also ask that you contact Crime Stoppers in reference to any information that you have regarding these investigations," Wolfork said.
FOX 5 Atlanta live streamed the event.