TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Multiple people were arrested late Friday night and into Saturday morning after investigators said they learned of a large street takeover planned in Tampa.
Members of the Florida Highway Patrol and Tampa Police Department responded to several locations where individuals were reportedly going to race and perform “dangerous” stunts.
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Those locations included the intersection of Busch Boulevard and Florida Avenue, as well as Fletcher Avenue and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, and a section of Temple Terrace Highway near Winn Dixie.
By the time law enforcement arrived, the FHP said there were already large groups of people and vehicles mingling in each area.
Officers were able to prevent the events from taking place at both the Temple Terrace and Busch Boulevard locations, officials said. However, the activities had already begun at the intersection of Fletcher Avenue and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.
Troopers engaged in several short pursuits at the third location, resulting in 10 arrests. According to FHP, four drivers were charged with felonies, and six passengers were charged with street racing and takeover.
Police also impounded four vehicles with 30-day holds and recovered two firearms.
“The success of this operation, which prevented those in the community from being placed in dangerous situations while on Florida roads, was due to information that was intercepted by law enforcement before the event took place,” the FHP said in a statement Saturday afternoon.
Anyone who encounters street racing, stunt driving or a roadway takeover while they are on the road is asked to safely pull over and report it by calling *FHP or 911.
Those with information regarding an upcoming event can email StopRacing@flhsmv.gov to alert authorities. Tipsters are asked to provide any corresponding screenshots or documentation.
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