The Atlanta Police Department made six arrests and has warrants out for two more suspects involved in organizing or participating in illegal street racing in the city.
During a Sunday afternoon press conference, Chief Darin Schierbaum said there has been a “resurgence” in street racing in the city and across the region. He said four events happened inside the city limits on Saturday night into this morning.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy for any street racing in Atlanta,” Schierbaum. “We are putting a focus on the individuals who promote and organize illegal street racing and bring crime and mayhem to the city.”
He said thanks to new laws passed by the Georgia General Assembly, law enforcement can now charge anyone who promotes and organizes street racing. Three individuals were arrested this morning for allegedly doing just that:
- Treyon Izell Hamilton-Coleman, 24, of Riverdale, GA
- Jaquez Antonio Smith, 22, of Locust Grove, GA
- Tyrik Ponder, 20, of Hampton, GA
Arrest warrants have also been issued for Montrez Nasir Carter of McDonough and Darius Edmunds of Stonecrest – for also organizing an event.
Three other individuals were arrested for filming or blocking the road so a racing event could take place: Juan Tirado, Edison Hernandez-Bruno, and Ashley Barerra-Villenueva.
The chief said the department is also working to identify the drivers of the cars that took part in the events.
“If you organize a street racing event in Atlanta, we’re going to locate you, identify you, and hold you accountable,” Schierbaum said, noting that if convicted those arrested could serve up to a year in jail and face a $5,000 fine.
Maj. Ralph Woolfolk from APD’s Criminal Investigations Division said another individual,Richard Ruben, was arrested earlier this month for organizing events over Memorial Day weekend that were widely shared across social media.
Woolfolk urged residents to call 911 if they witness any illegal street racing events in the city.
