The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and the City of Tampa Police Department worked in unison over the weekend to enforce traffic safety laws. The joint effort, "Operation Silent Knights," focused on those who make public streets their race track and endanger the safety of the public at large.
On Saturday night, June 24, 2023, Tampa Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office conducted "Operation Silent Knights" to stop illegal street racing in Tampa Bay in a proactive response to an event circulating on social media. The "Tampa Bay Wet-N-Wild" social media event encouraged street takeovers and reckless driving. Information was shared via social media apps, and drivers were urged to meet at illegally shut-down intersections in order to race and perform vehicle stunts such as "donuts" in front of spectators.
"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 Sheriff Chad 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 locations throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County. "Operation Silent Knights" led to the arrest of 15 individuals, 23 citations, and the seizure of 8 vehicles. Of those, TPD arrested three suspects and seized two cars.
"The Tampa Police Department and our public safety partners work daily to ensure the streets are safe for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike," said 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."
Charges for those involved in illegal street racing include Unlawful Racing-Spectator, Unlawful Racing-Driver/Vehicle, Unlawful Racing on Highway, Operating an Unregistered Vehicle, Fleeing to Elude, and several drug charges.
Attached to this press release is a video with certain arrests of note that media outlets can use.
A blue Ford Mustang was seen in the middle of Madison Avenue and South 50th Street doing "donuts" and illegal drifting in broad daylight. After surveilling the vehicle, the driver fled when deputies attempted a traffic stop. The HCSO Aviation Unit tracked the car until it stopped, and deputies could arrest the driver Julias Lopez, Jr., 18, without incident. Lopez is facing charges of Fleeing to Elude and Unlawful Racing on Highway. Deputies also arrested the participating 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 Sheriff Chronister. "Luckily, no one was hurt Saturday night, but now those involved face the legal consequences that will slow down their dangerous behavior."
Joshua Davis, 20, was observed blocking the westbound lanes of Madison Avenue and South 50th Street with his gray Chrysler 300 to allow other vehicles to conduct "donuts" in the intersection. He is charged with Unlawful Racing on Highway and Operating an Unregistered Vehicle.
Another vehicle, a blue Chrysler 300, was also seen conducting "donuts" at Madison Avenue and South 50th Street. The car could be seen illegally drifting close to pedestrian traffic. After HCSO surveyed the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, the driver, Basel Hammad, 21, fled. The HCSO Aviation Unit continued surveillance into Polk County, where he eventually crashed. Hammad was arrested with the help of Lakeland Police and charged with Fleeing to Elude, Resisting Without Violence, and Unlawful Racing on Highway.
If anyone has any information regarding the incidents from Saturday night or would like to report illegal street racing, call teamHCSO at 813-247-8200 or TPD at 813-231-6130.
