Tampa Street Racing Video Posted On Social Media Leads To 15 Arrests

TAMPA, FL — A crackdown by Tampa police and Hillsborough sheriff's deputies dubbed Operation Silent Knights has led to the arrest of 15 illegal street racers who authorities say have repeatedly put the public in danger.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and Tampa Police Department worked in unison over the weekend to help put a stop to the growing number of street races taking place in Hillsborough County.

On Saturday night, authorities were tipped off about an event circulating on social media called the "Tampa Bay Wet-N-Wild," which encouraged street takeovers and reckless driving.

Police said information was shared on social media apps urging drivers to meet at certain intersections to race and perform stunts such as "donuts" in front of spectators.

In one of the videos posted on social media, a blue Ford Mustang is seen in the middle of Madison Avenue and South 50th Street doing "donuts" and illegal drifting in the middle of the day as spectators watched.

The driver fled when deputies attempted a traffic stop. The Hillsborough sheriff's aviation unit tracked the car, and deputies arrested the driver, Julias Lopez Jr., 18, on charges of unlawful racing on a highway and fleeing to elude.

Deputies also arrested the passenger.

"Illegal racing is never allowed at any time, but to see these delinquents doing it in broad daylight shows how little they care about the deadly consequences that could come from their activity," said Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister."Luckily, no one was hurt Saturday night, but now those involved face the legal consequences that will slow down their dangerous behavior."

Another video shows Joshua Davis, 20, blocking the westbound lanes of Madison Avenue and South 50th Street with his gray Chrysler 300 to allow other vehicles to do "donuts" in the intersection. He was charged with unlawful racing on a highway and operating an unregistered vehicle.

Another vehicle, a blue Chrysler 300, was also seen doing "donuts" as well as drifting perilously close to pedestrians at Madison Avenue and South 50th Street.

Deputies attempted a traffic stop, but the driver, Basel Hammad, 21, fled. The sheriff's helicopter followed the car into Polk County, where Hammad crashed. He was arrested with the help of Lakeland Police and charged with fleeing to elude, resisting without violence and unlawful facing on a highway.

"The actions of these street racers not only disturb the flow of traffic but endanger the lives of those who come out to watch, the drivers and passengers involved, and innocent, law-abiding citizens who are either in their cars or walking and biking in those areas," said Chronister.

"To those who think they can break traffic laws and put the lives of others at risk, know that we are watching you. We see you online and on the road."

Street racers were arrested at multiple other locations throughout Tampa and unincorporated Hillsborough County.

In addition to the arrest of 15 street racers, authorities handed out 23 citations and seized eight cars used in racing.

"The Tampa Police Department and our public safety partners work daily to ensure the streets are safe for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike," said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. "Careless and reckless driving with complete disregard for the safety of others is unacceptable. It should be clear to anyone who thinks they can hold a street takeover anywhere in Tampa or Hillsborough County: We will catch, we will arrest you and we will impound your car."

Anyone with information regarding the street racing Saturday night should call the sheriff's office at 813-247-8200 or the Tampa police at 813-231-6130.