CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. — Multiple people received citations, and several others were arrested following an unpermitted drag racing meet in Carroll County over the weekend.
According to the Carroll County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), deputies found out that a street racing event was scheduled for Saturday, Apr. 20, in a residential neighborhood. Deputies reached out to the organizers promoting the event, informed them the event was not permitted, and warned them to cancel the event as it would disrupt residents in the Kennedy Estates Subdivision.
On Saturday, authorities saw an estimated 500 cars and 1000 people arrive in the neighborhood despite warnings. Deputies learned through social media posts that the event promoters were charging $15 for spectators and $30 to participate in stunt driving.
Wild video obtained by the Sheriff's Office shows large crowds and dangerous conditions as cars barrel into spectators and people wave guns out of car windows.
Authorities shut down the event just before 3 p.m., and drivers quickly scattered from the area, heading to a Villa Rica gas station, with some drivers traveling at speeds over 100 miles per hour. Deputies said 911 began to receive calls from concerned citizens about the traffic concerns of speeding vehicles, reckless driving, and shots being fired from moving vehicles.
Police attempted to pull over two cars that were racing on Highway 61, when both cars crashed into a parking lot. Both drivers were arrested.
While police worked to disband a gathering in Villa Rica, deputies said over 100 people went back to the Carroll County subdivision in an attempt to revive the event a second time, with vehicles doing burnouts at a home in the neighborhood. CCSO shut the event down once again.
In total, Carroll County deputies arrested seven in connection to the large gathering, including a man wanted out of Minnesota on felony aggravated assault and robbery charges.
Deputies said more arrests are expected in the near future.