ORLANDO, Fla. — Over the weekend, officials say several arrests were made and more than 150 citations were issued as law enforcement agencies teamed up to break up illegal street racing events in Orlando.

What You Need To Know

  •  The Florida Highway Patrol teamed up with the Orange County Sheriff's Office and Orlando Police Department over the weekend in a crackdown on illegal street racing, or street takeover, events

  •  Investigators say that as smaller events dispersed, a larger one formed at an industrial warehouse complex located off Emerald Dunes Drive in Orlando

  • Troopers, deputies and officers responded to the event and ended up arresting three people and issuing more than 150 citations — 132 of which were given to spectators

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, using ground and aerial resources, troopers worked with the Orange County Sheriff's Office and Orlando Police Department to target "unlawful street takeover activities" and shut down numerous races in the area. 

"During the operation, several locations hosting illegal street takeover gatherings were identified," FHP said in a statement. "As smaller gatherings dispersed, larger ones began to form, including an event held at an industrial warehouse complex located off Emerald Dunes Drive in Orlando."

Troopers, deputies and officers "strategically converged" on the event to prevent participants and spectators from fleeing the scene. In all, FHP reported that 154 citations were issued at the event (132 of which were given to spectators), two criminal notices to appear were issued and three people were arrested. 

Investigators report that numerous vehicles were also towed from the scene.

FHP applauded the collaboration with local law enforcement in shutting down the illegal street racing event. 

"Together, the agencies aimed to send a clear message to those participating in unlawful street takeover activities that their actions will not be tolerated in Florida," the statement from FHP said.

For anyone who encounters an illegal street takeover, troopers urged them to take the following steps:

  • Remain calm

  • Do not engage

  • If possible, safely pull over to the side of the road

  • Report it by calling *FHP or 911 and you will be immediately routed to the nearest dispatch center

Anyone with information about an planned street takeover is asked to contact FHP's street racing tip email address at StopRacing@flhsmv.gov.