Six arrested in Salt Lake City street racing operation

SALT LAKE CITY — Six arrests have been made and 11 cars have been towed following an operation to stop illegal street racing in Salt Lake City.

Officials with the Salt Lake City Police Department said on Friday, Aug. 26, into the early morning hours of Saturday, Aug. 27, law enforcement saturated areas within the city known to have street racing. During the investigation, information developed that led the Utah Highway Patrol to a speed racing event near 2400 South, 4300 West, where six arrests were made.

The arrests included speed contest or exhibition on a highway, failure to stop or respond at command of police, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, reckless driving, possession of controlled substance, hit and run, open container, and operating a vehicle without insurance.

Last Friday, we conducted an operation to address illegal street racing.

For more information, please read our press release: https://t.co/3vUrkJw2Vi#saltlakecity #slcpd #slc pic.twitter.com/AVhSh6ap42

— Salt Lake City Police (@slcpd) August 30, 2022

“Illegal street racing events in Salt Lake City have previously drawn hundreds of people and have resulted in numerous criminal activities to include, but not limited to, reckless driving, illegal weapon possession, illegal gambling and aggravated assaults,” read a Tuesday afternoon press release from the Salt Lake City Police Department.

Police said local businesses have been “notably impacted” by both the racing and the large crowds that gather to watch, gamble, and cheer them on.

“Roadway and private lot obstructions have impacted business operations, inhibited distribution of goods and critical materials, and effectively caused some businesses to close,” the release stated.

Salt Lake police said in 2020, they saw a dramatic increase in calls for service for illegal street racing — from 71 in 2019 to 409 in 2020, which is a 476% increase.

“The Salt Lake City Police Department will continue coordinated and dedicated efforts between private and public stakeholders to mitigate street racing events and protect our communities from the greater harm that comes with street racing as staffing and resources allow.”

According to the release, police are continuing to use steel construction plates on some roadways to help reduce the number of speed racing events.

“Street racing can present many challenges for the Salt Lake City Police Department. Curbing these events requires significant resources – resources the SLCPD does not always have available while simultaneously trying to prevent other crimes and/or responding to quality of life issues for the city’s visitors and residents alike,” the release stated.

Police said UHP, the SLCPD Pioneer Bike Squad, the SLCPD Gang Unit, the SLCPD Investigations Division and the SLCPD Patrol Divisions assisted with the operation.