ATLANTA — Multiple people have been arrested for allegedly promoting or organizing street racing events across Atlanta, police announced.
Over the weekend, officers assigned to APD's auto crimes enforcement unit responded to multiple calls of street racers across the city. Those officers arrested multiple suspects and impounded multiple vehicles allegedly involved in the criminal activity.
APD Chief Darin Schierbaum stated that the agency has seen a recent resurgence in street racing activity, including four events on Saturday.
"This department has zero tolerance for any street racing that occurs within Atlanta, Georgia," he said.
Schierbaum said there's been a jump in these types of gatherings this summer compared to last summer.
A part of the street racing concerns happened in the same parking lot as Rahim's Chicken Supreme. The owner, Rahim Leslie, said it's been open for 15 years. He closes every night at 9:30 p.m.
"Because of the area we're in, I'd rather be safe than to be sorry," Leslie said.
Leslie knows things go down in the parking lot. He's never there to see it. However, the tire marks can still be seen where cars were doing donuts in the lot.
But the Great Smoke Vape Shop, across the street, stays open past midnight. Owner Steven Swing watches the crowds form from his window. He's noticed the increase, too.
"The previous Summers, we've had it, maybe, once a month, but lately it's been every Saturday— sometimes multiple times," Swing said. "Sometimes police will clear them out. And then, they're right back 30 minutes later."
Schierbaum said not only are these gatherings illegal, but also unsafe.
"It's not necessarily a nuisance, except for it just stops the business," Swing continued. "It stops the traffic. And people lose money when they do that."
Swing said arresting spectators is a slippery slope; however, he believes officers are saving participants from themselves.
"They're not going to really go until the police come," Swing said.
However, Leslie said the arrests were unnecessary.
"I ain't heard no shooting. I ain't heard no violence going on," Leslie said.
Leslie said when officers show up, participants scatter, creating further danger.
"Somebody's going to get hurt while the police are doing their job," Leslie said.
He suggested giving street racing fans a safe space to do their events.
"That is not helping the problem. Helping the problem is finding them children something to do," he added.
Schierbaum said there are dedicated officers for these crimes.
"We now have the ability to charge anyone that promotes and organizes a street racing event," he said, adding that if you're arrested, Schierbaum said it's a misdemeanor. You can face up to a year in prison and thousands in fines.
Schierbaum said their department has already arrested seven people and has warrants out for others.
Police said all are in their early 20s, and although they are from Georgia, they are not Atlanta residents.
"If you are going to organize street racing events in Atlanta, we are going to locate you, we're going to identify you, and we're going to hold you accountable," Schierbaum stated.
The offenses are punishable by up to a year in prison and a $5,000 fine, police said.