Dozens cited, one arrested in Northern California street racing bust, CHP says
Dozens of traffic citations were issued and one felony arrest was made during an anti-street racing and reckless driving enforcement operation in Shasta County on Friday, California Highway Patrol officials announced Monday.
Around 10:45 p.m. Friday, CHP officers conducting the enforcement operation were alerted by the crew of a CHP airplane to a group of vehicles driving recklessly, according to a CHP statement released Monday. Ground units responded, and when one driver failed to yield, officers briefly pursued the vehicle before terminating the chase because of safety concerns.
According to the CHP, the air crew continued to track the vehicle until the driver — a juvenile — was safely taken into custody in a parking lot. The suspect was booked on suspicion of felony reckless evading and assault with a deadly weapon.
During the enforcement operation, officers issued 37 traffic citations, inspected 16 vehicles for illegal modifications and impounded one vehicle. Two drivers were also cited and directed to the Bureau of Automotive Repair State Smog Referee Program for illegal vehicle modifications.
“The CHP maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal street racing and reckless driving,” CHP Chief John Pinoli, commander of the Northern Division, said in a statement. “Innocent lives are put at risk when drivers engage in dangerous behaviors.”
Illegal street racing and reckless driving can result in a vehicle being impounded for up to 30 days, CHP officials said.
