12 Illegal Car Rallies Thwarted, Up To 500 MD Drivers Participated

MARYLAND — Authorities said they dismantled 12 illegal car rallies Saturday night, resulting in arrests across the Baltimore-Washington area.

"Up to 500 participants gathered in parking lots attempting to shut down intersections throughout the region," the Maryland State Police said in a Tuesday press release.

Troopers said the unlawful gatherings happened in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Howard County and Prince George's County.

Authorities said they responded to the following locations at the approximate times:

• 8 p.m.: 4732-5400 Auth Pl, Suitland, MD
• 8:25 p.m.: 4900 Beech Rd, Temple Hills, MD
• 8:48 p.m.: 1811 Cabin Branch Dr, Hyattsville, MD
• 9:25 p.m.: 4870-488 Walden Lane, Lanham, MD
• 10:34 p.m.: 4041 Powder Mill Rd, Beltsville, MD
• 10:58 p.m.: 9600 Ft Meade Rd, Laurel, MD
• 11:26 p.m.: 10300 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD
• 11:40 p.m.: 6821 Benjamin Franklin Dr, Columbia, MD
• 12:01 a.m.: 7500 Connelly Dr, Hanover, MD
• 12:04 a.m.: Route 29 N., Howard County, MD
• 12:34 a.m.: 1101 Wilson Dr, Baltimore, MD
• 12:58 a.m.: 2704 Washington Blvd, Baltimore, MD

"Since June 2024, the Maryland Car Rally task force has focused on investigating and addressing exhibition driving events, [known] as 'takeovers,'" police said. "These illegal activities involve blocking public roads for dangerous stunts, disrupting traffic, causing property damage, and posing risks to the public."

Troopers said these suspects were charged this weekend:

• Jonathan Alonso Berrios-Cabrera, 18, of Arlington, Virginia – charged with fleeing and eluding police, negligent and reckless driving, and other traffic related offenses.
• Cregory Curry, 27, of Washington, D.C., — charged on a criminal summons for exhibition driving, as well as, fleeing and eluding police.
• Keanu Grissett, 23, of Waldorf, Maryland – charged by the Laurel City Police Department with theft of a motor vehicle and display of a stolen license plate. Additionally, the Laurel City Police Department arrested Raquan Stephon West, 28, of Laurel, Maryland, on outstanding warrants
• Jamari McLaurin, 25, of Newport News, Virginia and Malek Omaryi Saviion Kingsberry, 26, of Hampton, Virginia – charged by the Anne Arundel County Police Department with several firearm-related offenses.

"Increased patrols in identified hotspot areas have been conducted along with comprehensive investigations to identify and charge those involved," authorities said. "This proactive approach includes enhanced traffic enforcement and the initiation of criminal investigations against the perpetrators."

The Maryland Car Rally task force includes the Maryland State Police, the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, Baltimore City Police and police departments in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's counties.

"The combined efforts continue to be instrumental in effectively addressing illegal exhibition driving across the designated regions," the Maryland State Police said. "By collaborating our concentrated enforcement and investigative efforts strategically, particularly in areas where these incidents are most prevalent, the task force aims to mitigate the impact of these dangerous events on public safety and, thereby fostering a safer environment for all Maryland residents."